Recycling Wheelie Bin Roll-Out begins in Lochaber

Over the next few weeks residents in areas of Lochaber which are not part of the blue box kerbsider scheme can expect to take delivery of a new blue wheelie bin for their recycling waste. Householders should already have received an introductory leaflet outlining how the new service will operate and may even have had a visit from a member of The Highland Council’s Waste Awareness Team.

The bins, which will be collected on a four-weekly rota beginning in February, can take paper, cardboard, tin cans and plastic bottles. Householders are being asked to flatten tins, plastic bottles and cardboard and to remove caps and rinse plastic bottles and cans although there is no need to remove the labels.

Vice Chairman of TEC Services, Councillor Brian Murphy said:  “Some people have expressed surprise that the items will be mixed in the same bin but this is because at the recycling plant they will be separated by a mixture of both mechanical and manual means. It is therefore very important that the items are loose and not placed in plastic bags or mixed together. For example, a tin can should not be jammed into a cardboard box or a plastic bottle.

“Our Waste Management Team will be publicising the new scheme over the next few weeks with posters going up across the area and people should also listen out for adverts on Nevis Radio early in the New Year. The Team are also planning a number of public events and will be visiting local schools to talk to pupils about recycling.

“These new convenient collections from people’s homes should greatly reduce the number of visits that need to be made to Recycling Points and Centres, reducing car journeys and so further benefiting the environment.”

The bins will be delivered with a booklet containing full details on how to use the bin and a calendar showing collection dates. Normal weekly refuse collections will not be affected.

The blue box scheme already currently operating in many areas of Lochaber will remain unaffected as will the arrangements provided in Ardnamurchan, Knoydart and the Small Isles

For more information about recycling in your area please telephone 01478 612728, visit http://www.highland.gov.uk/recycle.htm or email - recycle@highland.gov.uk
ENDS