New St Andrews commercial waste scheme due to start

Businesses in St Andrews are being urged to take steps to ensure they are ready for the new town centre commercial bin scheme starting on January 1.

The system is being introduced by Fife Council following concerns about unsightly bins blocking pavements and spoiling the appearance of the town’s streets.

Business owners will only be permitted to leave containers out during a daily three-hour collection period or risk having them confiscated.

It is hoped the move will also lead to a reduction in the amount of rubbish being spilled and lower the risk of infestation by vermin and gulls.

The collection window will be between 7.30am and 10.30am every day.

No commercial waste or containers will be allowed on public paths and roads outside those times, unless the trader has been granted an exception from the local authority.

Council bosses say the scheme will make the streets and lanes safer by removing obstructions from people’s path.

There will be an initial soft launch from January 1, when officers will give a warning to any business owners who are found to not be complying, without moving to the confiscation of bins.

Officials say this period of adjustment will give them time to talk to businesses and help them iron out any challenges before the policy fully comes into force on April 1.

The scheme was approved by Fife Council’s environment, protective services and community safety committee earlier this year.

Its convener, SNP councillor Ross Vettraino, said: “Fife Council urges any business that hasn’t yet taken steps to ensure they are ready for the changes to contact their waste contractor in the first instance to see what support they can provide.

“With their help, the town will be a cleaner, greener and safer place in which to live, work and study.”