Bin clutter improving ' thanks to new policy'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MOVES to tackle bin clutter in Inverness city centre are already having a positive impact on the cleanliness of the Highland capital, the council has claimed.
The local authority introduced a new trade waste policy on Inverness streets earlier this year after years of complaints about commercial bins blighting the area.
The policy shift, which was approved by the city of Inverness Area Committee in November, resulted in the introduction of time windows during which bins were to be kept off the streets.
The council said this had helped to cut the number of trade containers on the streets and improve the look of Inverness city centre.
Its comments came ahead of the full implementation of the policy this week.
The new policy is also aiming to reduce the amount of litter derived from trade waste, encourage businesses to manage their waste more responsibly and recycle more.
It also hopes to improve public safety issues by removing tripping hazards and bins blocking footways. The council’s environmental health team is responsible for implementing the policy and said it was extremely pleased with the response so far from businesses and waste contractors.
Gregor MacCormick, senior environmental health officer, said: "Our Service has worked closely with businesses, waste contractors and other relevant stakeholders in recent months in an effort to assist with the transition to the new policy requirements.
"We appreciate the significant impact it has had on many businesses in adapting but are delighted by the response we have had to date with businesses having worked closely with their appointed waste contractors and ourselves to find solutions.
"Enforcement officers will now be working in the city centre in the coming weeks to ensure businesses manage all their waste in line with the new trade waste policy and the other waste legislative requirements. Our service asks all those businesses that have yet to comply with the new policy to liaise with their appointed waste contractors and our officers at their earliest opportunity to ensure compliance ahead of the full implementation date."
Provost and Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael added: "This project is all about helping to make Inverness a cleaner, greener and safer city which will encourage more visitors to the city centre and help create a positive image for the benefit of all.
"The results demonstrated so far with the removal of trade waste bins from our city centre streets speaks for itself."
Businesses are being urged to make sure they are compliant with the new policy by visiting www.highland.gov.uk/invernesscitytradewaste
