Bin collections reduced in bid to aid recycling
THE frequency of general waste and glass bin collections is set to reduce, in a move the council hopes will boost recycling. Parts of the city could see the changes to kerbside collection rolled out next month, with green general waste bins being collected every three weeks instead of two.
Purple glass bins would be picked up every eight weeks, rather than four.
Brown garden waste and blue recycling bins will still be collected every two weeks.
The new bin collection arrangements are intended to boost recycling rates at 117,000 Glasgow homes, the council says.
Its own study found almost two-thirds of the contents of standard, general waste bins put out to the kerbside for collection could be recycled.
Councillor Anna Richardson (right) wants the city to improve its recycling record.
She said: “All the evidence shows that as a city we are not using our bins properly.
“Far too much waste that could easily be recycled is going to landfill or is being reprocessed at far too high a cost to the taxpayer.
“Separating out our waste and putting it in the right bin can have significant environmental and financial benefits.”
The new arrangements are set to be introduced to around 8400 homes in the north-east of city with a front and back door in April.
Research from Zero Waste Scotland found that approximately 40-50 per cent of the contents of general waste bins can be placed within the other council recycling services.
A council report states the change will “increase the level of material captured for recycling, achieve savings due to a greater level of landfill diversion and help deliver financial savings through reduced collection resources”.
Ms Richardson added: “By recycling properly we have a chance to maximise our income and reduce our costs, all of which can help to protect vital services.
“But at the moment we are being highly wasteful with our waste. An aluminium can or plastic drinks bottle in the wrong bin ultimately means money lost for the taxpayer.
“Dumping food waste, paper, cardboard or glass in the general