Selfish fly-tippers across Fife are disregarding safety advice by dumping rubbish in public places.
Bags full of household waste have been left piled up on the ground next to recycling points all over the region, while others have been tossed into the countryside.
Fife Council said tipping was putting additional stress on its services and urged people to keep rubbish at home until recycling centres reopened.
SNP councillor Fay Sinclair said she was disappointed to find a huge pile of black bin bags at her local recycling point in Dunfermline.
“This selfish disregard for the safety of others is just awful,” she said.
“Front line council staff will now have to handle this waste to get the area cleared up.
“It was heartwarming to be part of the massive clap for the NHS last week so how about some recognition for the council key workers also under pressure to deliver vital services in the face of 40% absence rates.”
Ken Gourlay, head of the council’s assets, transportation and environment service, said people should store excess waste responsibly.
“Unfortunately, in these challenging times when council services are already under pressure, the misuse of recycling points and fly-tipping are issues.
“Everyone is responsible for their own waste and must dispose of their rubbish responsibly.
“Recycling points are still available at supermarkets and shopping centres but residents are requested not to make special visits to them, in line with Government guidance, but to use them while doing their essential shopping.
“Waste and recycling should not be placed beside the bins at recycling points or communal bins.”
Mr Gourlay said that, like the rest of the country, the council was operating in emergency mode.
The collection of blue landfill and brown food and garden waste bins have been made a priority, although brown bin collections have reverted to the four-weekly winter cycle.
Grey paper bin collections have been suspended.
