Extra household bins to be rolled out in Badenoch and Strathspey

Households in Badenoch and Strathspey will see the introduction of an additional wheelie bin starting from Spring 2024, it has been confirmed.

It comes as part of a planned expanded recycling service by Highland Council following a Scottish Government funding award.

There will be a phased roll-out of the enhanced service from Spring 2024.

The existing green general waste bin will be converted to collect mixed containers including plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, cans, tins, foil and cartons.

The existing blue bin currently used for mixed recycling will be converted to collect paper and card.

The council also plans to expand its weekly food waste recycling service beyond Inverness to include households within Nairn, Fort William and towns in Easter Ross.

Households in receipt of the weekly food waste recycling service will be provided with a new 140 litre grey general waste bin while all other households will be provided with a new 180 litre grey general waste bin.

Councillor Graham MacKenzie, chairman of the council's communities and place committee, said: “This welcome funding from the Scottish Government Recycling Improvement Fund will enable the council to meet its recycling commitments and see a net reduction in carbon emissions.

"The council will now start to put arrangements in place to enable the changes to our recycling and will inform the public on how these services will be rolled-out across Highland in phases starting from April 2024.”

Zero Waste Scotland CEO Iain Gulland said: “The Recycling Improvement Fund supports councils to expand and enhance their recycling capabilities, benefiting locals and accelerating Scotland’s progress towards achieving net zero.

“Highland Council’s proposal to introduce twin-stream kerbside recycling and expand its weekly food waste collection service could increase the area’s recycling rate by around five per cent which is substantial.

“This project will make a material difference to the community, and Zero Waste Scotland is pleased to support Highland Council through the fund.”

Funding to make modifications to the Portree and Caithness Waste Transfer Stations to help support the changes to the recycling services is also included in the award from the Scottish Government.

The council has also approved capital investment in waste infrastructure with the construction of a new Waste Transfer Station in Fort William, along with a communications and engagement package to support residents with the changes to the recycling services when they begin in 2024.

Full details of the planned changes and the phases for each area will be revealed in the coming months.

For tips on how to reduce your waste and for more information on recycling www.highland.gov.uk/recycle or email recycle@highland.gov.uk.

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