New Kerbside Recycling Collections for Rural Areas in Lochaber

The Highland Council has invested in a new vehicle and crew to expand the kerbside recycling routes in Lochaber.

Most householders in Lochaber who are not already part of the blue box scheme will shortly be receiving a blue wheelie bin for their recycling. The bin, which will be collected every 4 weeks, is for mixed recyclable material – paper, cardboard, food and drink cans and plastic bottles.

Householders on the new routes should look out for a leaflet coming through their door describing how the new collection system will work. The Council’s Waste Awareness team will also be in the area talking to residents on doorsteps, outside supermarkets and going into schools to talk to pupils.

The new bins will start to be delivered early in December and the collections will begin at the beginning of February, and form part of a Highland-wide extension of kerbside recycling collection to most rural households.

Thanks to the efforts of people across the whole Highlands, the Coucnil’s recycling rate is currently just under 32%, and it is expected that this new scheme will help drive this figure towards a new high.

Chairman of The Highland Council’s TEC Services Committee, Councillor John Laing said:  “The extended recycling provision will be a big bonus to householders and will help to cut down the number of trips that need to be made to Recycling Centres and Points. However, it is equally important that the Reduce and Reuse parts of the 3Rs message should not be ignored – especially as the festive period approaches.

“Composting at home is another excellent way to reduce the amount of waste that we send to landfill – and compost bins are available to householders at heavily subsidised rates, including free delivery. Also, every opportunity should be taken to reuse anything we have no further use for. The existing network of charity shops throughout Highland is an ideal route to ensure someone benefits from the things we no longer need.”

The New Kerbside Collection will be provided as an additional service to the areas not presently receiving recycling collections and normal weekly refuse collections will not be affected.

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