Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council officials reported progress in waste collection services provided by Bryson Recycling during a Monday evening meeting of the Operations Committee at Antrim Civic Centre.

Lynsey Daly, head of waste strategy and sustainability, stated the council has collaborated with Bryson on a delivery plan. Chief executive Shane Logan issued a public apology on January 26 for substandard service levels. Daly noted a noticeable improvement in collection standards throughout February, with Bryson recruiting additional staff assigned to local routes and supervising crews in problem areas.

Councillors receive weekly updates on missed collections. No council resources supported collections in February, though a quick response vehicle stands ready for emergencies. Collection rates reached 98 to 100 percent on service days.

Daly acknowledged ongoing problems with bins returned to properties and access barriers. A monitoring officer is conducting on-site meetings with Bryson to resolve these. Committee chair Antrim DUP Alderman John Smyth called the performance a good improvement.

Dunsilly DUP Alderman Linda Clarke raised a case in Toomebridge where a resident's glass container went unemptied for two weeks. Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster observed definite improvement yet standards below expectations, inquiring about assisted lifts. Daly confirmed focus on assisted lifts via a new recording and monitoring system.

Antrim Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly noted better bin emptying but residents searching for bins afterward. Airport Sinn Féin Councillor Annemarie Logue highlighted persistent issues, including overspill at Largy Road, and supported action on assisted lifts to avoid discrimination. Daly explained vehicles feature speed limiters preventing high speeds with open containers.