Preparations for new refuse and recycling service in Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey continue

This week sees the next stage in the roll out of new refuse and recycling collections to Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey as blue wheelie bins begin to be distributed to households in areas presently with recycling boxes. Residents will find calendars and guidance on using the new service attached to the bins. The new recycling bins accept paper, cardboard, food tins and drink cans and plastic bottles. Residents are being encouraged to hold onto their, soon to be redundant, blue boxes and use them to take glass bottles and jars to their local Recycling Point.

Meanwhile households in areas which already have blue recycling bins will, over the coming weeks, be delivered new calendars and guidance booklets; these explain the new service which commences on the 4th July and will see a fortnightly recycling collection alternating with a fortnightly refuse collection - refuse one week, recycling the next.

The 2 year calendars show clearly which bin to put out each week and the accompanying booklet, as well as explaining how to use the blue recycling bin, also offers guidance on managing waste to avoid any potential problems. It includes advice on reducing food waste, composting and how to recycle other unwanted items. The Council’s Waste Awareness Team will also be out and about talking to people on doorsteps and at a number of events and will be able to give advice and answer any concerns surrounding the change.

The new collections have already been successfully introduced in Skye and Lochalsh, Lochaber and Caithness and have resulted in an appreciable increase in recycling and reduction in waste sent to landfill. With landfill taxes currently standing at £56 a tonne and set to rise annually this is an important consideration for Council tax payers – in addition to the environmental benefits.

Councillor Stuart Black, speaking of the new service, said that he felt it would be welcomed by householders and businesses alike keen to do their bit for the environment by increasing recycling. “We live in a beautiful part of the country and respect for the environment is second nature to the Highland people. I am confident that these measures to increase recycling and reduce the impact of waste on the environment will be well accepted.”

The changes also affect the Council’s commercial customers in the area who are being offered recycling collections for the first time. Businesses have already been contacted with details of the new service and any that have not yet returned their new service request forms are urged to do so without delay.

For more information about the new collection service or how to reduce your waste please call 01349 886603; email recycle@highland.gov.uk or visit http://www.www.highland.gov.uk/