'Contamination' forces closure of Cork recycling centre as soiled nappies found in cereal boxes

Independent councillor Declan Hurley asked council officials to reinstate the paper, cardboard and plastic recycling service which was axed six months ago during the early stages of the Covid-19 restrictions.

The Bantry free recycling collection service. Picture: Andy Gibson

Cork County Council officials closed a recycling centre in West Cork because “contamination” was so high the 'recycled' items, which included soiled nappies hidden in cornflake boxes, had to be sent to landfill or incinerated.

The reason for the closure was outlined to councillors at a meeting of the council's Western Division after they asked why the council-run 'bring site' in Dunmanway was no longer operating as normal.