MLA presses for action as Bryson Recycling struggles with missed bin collections across Co Antrim

Inset: North Antrim MLA Paul Frew

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has raised fresh concerns over ongoing delays in the collection of recycling boxes by Bryson Recycling, as households across Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area continue to report prolonged disruption.

Mr Frew said he had been “contacted numerous times over the last number of weeks” by residents frustrated at waiting days beyond their normal schedule for collections to be completed.

Some households, he noted, have been left with boxes sitting out on pavements long after their expected pick-up date, creating both inconvenience and visual clutter in local neighbourhoods.

“The delays appear to be prevalent across Ballymena and the wider council area,” the DUP Assembly member said. “Many people are having to leave their boxes out for days after the expected empty date.”

Following discussions with Bryson Recycling, Mr Frew said the organisation had attributed the disruption to significant operational pressures.

“Having engaged with Bryson Recycling, they have informed me that they are ‘experiencing an exceptionally high level of sickness absence across the operational workforce, along with an ongoing industry-wide driver shortage,’” he said.

Mr Frew acknowledged that the difficulties facing the contractor mirror wider challenges across the waste and logistics sectors, where staff shortages have been well-documented in recent months. However, he stressed that the missed collections were having a real impact on local households who rely on the service.

“Whilst cognisant of the issues that Bryson are facing, the missed collection of recycling boxes has caused inconvenience to many of my constituents,” he said.

The MLA added that Bryson had assured him “every effort is being made” to address missed collections promptly and stabilise the service.

“I have been assured that every effort is being made to ensure missed collections are dealt with and that services return to normal as soon as possible,” he said.

“I will continue to engage with relevant bodies on this issue and look forward to seeing Bryson back to full capacity as soon as possible.”

Residents are being advised to continue presenting their recycling boxes as normal and to monitor updates from both Bryson Recycling and the council regarding delayed routes.