RESIDENTS are unable to recycle items at supermarket sites after the company responsible for handling the large skips went into administration.

Cumberland Council informed residents of a temporary disruption of service at the nine recycling bring sites in the Copeland area, last month.

Go Plant Fleet Services, the company that previously managed the specialised vehicle required for handling large skips at these sites, has entered administration and the council is working to find an alternative.

Shaun Sandham, a Hensingham resident, said he had been unaware of the issue along with many other residents who had been going to the sites only to discover they were unable to recycle their items.

He said: “I recycle everything I possibly can, and I haven't been able to recycle items for three or four weeks. I wondered why the large bins haven't been at any of the sites and ones that are there aren't being changed.

“I prefer to take my waste to these sites when I shop rather than leave it outside my house for it to be blown all over or not collected.

“I wasn't aware the council had lost the contracts because the contractors had gone into administration, and  other residents were unaware too. Many people go to these sites every day, and there is no information to inform people what alternatives there are.

The recycling centre in Whitehaven Tesco is one of a number of facilities currently out of use (Image: Newsquest)

“People’s recyclable waste will end up in their household waste. It will also impact the council’s recycling targets if another contractor isn't appointed.”

Cumberland Council said the specialised vehicle provided by Go Plant Fleet Services had been removed, making it difficult to continue the service.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “The council is now working to find a replacement and expects to resume service within a couple of weeks.

“In the interim period, services from the Carlisle depot will help empty some of the skips. However, not all skips may be emptied.

“Residents are kindly reminded not to leave items on the ground if skips are full, as this can lead to littering and will be considered illegal dumping (fly-tipping).

One of the full recycling skips at Whitehaven TescoOne of the full recycling skips at Whitehaven Tesco (Image: Newsquest)

“Cumberland Council has suggested that residents use one of the local Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) or their regular kerbside collection services, if available.

“Cumberland Council apologises for any inconvenience and appreciate residents’ cooperation as they work to restore the full service.”

The affected sites are: 

Cleator Moor Co-op

Distington car park

Gosforth car park

Haverigg Foreshore

Millom Tesco

Seascale Foreshore

St Bees Foreshore

Whitehaven Morrisons

Whitehaven Tesco

For further updates and information, please visit Cumberland Council’s website.