Verdict on Highland Council bin changes on Black Isle and Easter Ross
CHANGES to waste and recycling services in Easter Ross have resulted in a significant drop in refuse going to landfill.
That’s one of the standout statistics from early data following sweeping changes to the system rolled out across the Highlands.
Today’s meeting of Highland Council’s Black Isle and Easter Ross committee was given an update on the phased implementation of the so-called recycling improvement funded waste and recycling service change project.
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Black Isle and Easter Ross were the first areas where service change was introduced earlier this year.
In April and May, householders received a new grey 140-litre non-recyclable waste bin and silver food waste caddies were delivered to properties in several areas including: Muir of Ord (1251); Strathpeffer (497); Munlochy (264); Avoch (531); Fortrose and Rosemarkie (1158); Culbokie (337); Invergordon (1767); Alness (2816); Dingwall (2396); Evanton (612); Maryburgh and Conon Bridge (1491) and North Kessock (608).
In other non-food waste areas, a new grey 180 litre non-recyclable waste bin was provided.
In all areas, the green bin was successfully changed to a mixed plastic and metal containers recycling bin, and the blue bin was changed to a paper, card and cardboard recycling bin.
Committee members were told that the overall response from householders and businesses has been very positive, demonstrating the communication and engagement with the public has been well received and understood.
It says that, significiantly, early data shows an encouraging reduction in non-recycling waste being sent for disposal.
Since the service change, there has been a reduction of around 30 per cent in the amount of kerbside non-recyclable waste collected in Easter Ross.
Participation in the new weekly food waste collection service “is also very high”.
Chair of the committee, Councillor Lynsey Johnston, said: “Now the rollout of the new collection service changes in our area is complete, I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the waste and recycling team and to thank the public for their support.
“I think we have all got into the new swing of what goes in what bin and when they are collected.
“It is very encouraging to see from the figures, that in a relatively short time the changes are reducing the amount of waste that is being sent for disposal.”
