More than two sides to the bin debate
Dear editor,
There has been much debate over bin collections in Stirling recently.
Both recent administrations bear responsibility to where we are now, as the previous Labour/conservative administration changed the collection service that worked well for recycling without achieving efficiency savings.
This debate has been shaped as just having two views.
The recent changes are framed as either a disgrace or as the only solution.
The key message is that we must reduce, reuse (and there are many excellent examples of this in Stirling) and recycle more.
There is far too much cardboard and plastic involved in our purchases which then is disposed of in our bins.
So what is the best way to support the public in doing this?
It is by consultation and explanation. and explanation needed to get bin service working properly
The chief mistake by the council’s SNP/ Labour administration in 2020 is that there was no public consultation prior to the decision to make the changes, although there was an all party group to discuss the waste service.
So what should happen now and is the new bin collection service workable?
The key question is does the new system encourage more recycling or are some people just taking their waste directly to the recycling centres instead of via the bins?
I believe the introduction of a threeweekly collection for a short period and then a four weekly collection would have increased recycling and had better public buy in.
The reality is I don’t see any future administration having the majority to reverse the changes (Don’t make elections promises that is not in your power to keep).
The challenge now is to make this system work by offering support and maximise the ways that people can reduce, recycle and reuse.
The future of our planet depends on using its resources wisely.
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache