Skye and Lochalsh to pilot alternate waste collection scheme

 Households and commercial businesses in Skye and Lochalsh have been chosen for a six-month pilot of an alternate weekly waste collection scheme, which will run from 1 September until 28 February, next year, with the option of an extension if it proves a success. 

In the run up to the trial, households and commercial premises will receive leaflets and new calendars as well as visits from council staff to explain the Scheme, which will see residual waste collected one week (green bins) and dry recyclables the next week.  Various alternate weekly schemes are already operated by 21 of Scotland’s 32 councils, who have evidenced an increase in recycling. 

Councillor John Laing, Chairman of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee, said:  “Alternate collection schemes are working successfully throughout Scotland and we are eager to introduce this in Highland.  The pilot in Skye and Lochalsh will give us a good understanding of the issues before we consider rolling this out throughout the Highlands. 

The pilot will enable the Council to determine the impact of fortnightly residual collections on its 778 commercial customers in Skye and Lochalsh as well as offering them a recycling collection for the first time. Commercial customers will if required receive a new recycling bin ahead of the trial. 

Earlier, the Committee noted that progress is being made on investigations to install in Skye and Lochalsh an Energy from Waste facility linked to a district heating network. 

Waste generated in Skye and Lochalsh is presently transported to landfill out-with the Highlands. 

A further report will be presented to the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee once further technical investigations are completed. 

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