New Refuse and Recycling Service begins in Inverness and Wester Ross next week

New refuse and recycling collections begin next Monday (2 April) in the Inverness area and the remaining parts of Wester Ross not included in last October’s roll out.

All households in these areas previously without the blue recycling wheelie bins should by now have received their bins- which take mixed recyclables - paper cardboard, plastic bottles, food tins and drink cans. 

From Monday 2nd April the new service ‘goes live’ and the bins will be emptied fortnightly, alternating with a fortnightly refuse collection on the same day of the week. Collection dates are given on the calendars, either distributed with the bins or separately to households who previously received a 4-weekly blue bin recycling collection. These were accompanied by a guide explaining details about how  the new service will work. The Highland Council is urging people to read the guide carefully to ensure they understand what can and can’t go in the recycling bins.

Any householder who has not received a blue recycling bin, calendar or guide should contact the Council on 01349 886603.

All items should be put in the bins loose rather than in plastic bags and as the bins don’t take glass, residents are urged to take all glass items to their nearest Recycling Point or Recycling Centre.  Currently in the Highlands about half of our glass bottles and jars are being recycled.

Chairman of TEC Services, Councillor John Laing said that the Inverness roll out marked by far the largest phase in the introduction of the new refuse and recycling collections which began a year ago. “With a few vocal exceptions the new collections have been well accepted by people throughout the Highland Council area. Those aware of the need for us all to do our bit for the planet have welcomed the increased range and frequency of recycling collections and understand the need to redress the balance between waste and recycling in society.”

The Highland Council’s Waste Awareness Team can offer advice on reducing waste and increasing recycling to both householders and businesses and can be contacted on 01349 886603.