Demands for Bryson Recycling to repay ratepayers following collection issues
A Northern Ireland council has been urged to recoup ratepayers’ cash after the local authority stepped in to help a failing bin collection service.
An environment committee report shows that Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) staff and vehicles assisted in Bryson Recycling with 20,000 properties for about a week in January.
The report states that the intervention by the council has now allowed for Bryson to be “back to business as usual”.
The chamber was also told from senior management that Bryson has been experiencing a “period of disruption since August 2025”.
Bryson Recycling, which is responsible for collection bins from 160,000 households across four council areas, has previously identified “unprecedented illness” with its driving staff as the cause of its ongoing delays. Councillor Daniel Bassett said: “I want to say a huge thank you to the environmental services of the council.
“I’m glad Bryson has acknowledged its difficulties and put in place a recovery plan for increased staff members.
“I would also like to have a breakdown of costs to the council.”
The chamber also heard from Councillor Bronagh Magee, that “there were still some areas that have had no bin collections for two weeks”. Councillor Martin McKeever added: “I have concerns on the financial impact on ratepayers from the council stepping in.
“What assurances do we have that Bryson will repay the cost to the council and the ratepayer?
“I couldn’t tolerate the financial burden on the ratepayer.”
A council officer responded: "We did not have the vehicles needed for such kerbside collections of separated recycling materials. “As a result we had to use open back bin lorries where all separated waste was then co-mingled into the lorry and required to be separated again at Mallusk recycling centre.
“This really was the last resort and we would not have long term resources for this.”
The officer added: "I can now say that bin collections are now back to business as usual. “I can assure you there will be a full reimbursement or deduction on the council’s bill.” The LDRS contacted Bryson Recycling. A spokesperson said: “This is a contractual matter between Bryson Recycling and the council and we cannot comment on it.”