Improved bins to boost recycling and tackle contamination
Hundreds of improved communal bins are being introduced across Moray to help boost recycling and reduce contamination.
The letterbox-style containers feature specially designed lids that only accept the correct type of recyclable material, helping prevent non-recyclable waste from being mistakenly added.
In some cases, contamination has been so high, collection crews have had no choice but to treat the recycling as they would green bin waste.
The bins are being financed through a £130,000 funding award from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, administered by Zero Waste Scotland.
They are being introduced in targeted areas where contamination levels have been particularly high.
This will allow for the introduction of 300 replacement bins across Moray – 100 new blue bins for paper and card, and 200 new purple bins for mixed cans and plastic. Bin recipients will also receive leaflets, highlighting how they should be used.
The older-style bins will themselves be recycled and used elsewhere.
Moray Council’s Chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae said: “This is a positive step forward in tackling contamination, an issue that causes significant problems for our recycling and waste team.
“By making it easier for people to recycle we can reduce waste, make a positive difference to the environment and contribute to ambitions for a circular economy.
“It’s also a timely reminder for everyone to check before throwing something away, to make sure that it is disposed of correctly.”
Stuart Murray from Zero Waste Scotland said: “Zero Waste Scotland is delighted to support Moray Council in this transformative project to increase recycling capture as well as to improve the quality of materials collected.
“Moray is one of several councils that have benefitted from the Recycling Improvement Fund, which is making a real difference to recycling services and infrastructure across Scotland.
“These improvements will support Scotland’s journey to a circular economy and help protect our environment for generations to come."