Committee updated on new waste management collection services

At today’s (Monday 4 November) meeting of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Committee members were provided with an update on the phased implementation of the Recycling Improvement Funded waste and recycling service change project.

Black Isle and Easter Ross was the first area 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 food waste areas:

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; 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.

The 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. 

Importantly, 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% 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.”