A recycling centre in the Orkney Islands has closed after cement bonded asbestos was dumped at the site.

The centre in St Margaret's Hope will be closed for the next two days while the materials are being removed.

Orkney Islands Council can accept small quantities of cement bonded asbestos - but this is limited to up to six sheets, double wrapped and sealed - and only at Bossack in Tankerness. Anything more than six sheets needs to be pre-booked.

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Jonathan Walters, Environmental Services Facilities Manager at Orkney Islands Council, said: "From time to time householders may need to dispose of what's known as hazardous waste - whether that be asbestos, chemical or clinical waste. We need to ensure that this waste is disposed of properly and safely so additional rules are in place.

"Where householders don't stick to these rules, it can cause major disruption at our sites - as we can see with this incident. It also leads to contamination of some our recyclates meaning they can't be sold on or used elsewhere – thereby reducing valuable income and adding additional cost burdens to the Council. If you witness misuse at any of the Recycling Centres please do not hesitate to contact the Council to advise and help us to minimise any disruption to our services to the public."

(CD)