Modernising Waste Collection

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent evaluation survey for the modernising waste trials.

Further to the approval of the Modernising Waste report on the 29 November 2011.  The modernising waste team are currently carrying out assessments on all the remaining streets within the World Heritage Site based on the proposals in the report. 

We are aiming to complete the assessments by the middle of February 2012 and will then be carrying out further consultation with residents to discuss their opinions on the assessments.

Evening waste collections

We have introduced evening waste collections to much of the city centre from Monday June 6th, 2011. This has been a big change for residents and we know this has caused some confusion with people knowing when to present their rubbish. Visit the rubbish collection directory to find out when your new collection date and time is.

Collecting rubbish sacks in the evening means routes can be serviced more efficiently and that rubbish sacks are collected before gulls can attack them. Most collections will be done twice a week though Leith Walk will have collections four times a week. 

Improving waste collection in the city centre

The city centre World Heritage Site is particularly vulnerable to gulls attacking rubbish bags and spreading waste across the streets. We'd like to make sure waste is better controlled and the streets stay clean so we are trying using gull proof bags and evening waste collections.

All trials in the city centre have started and, as with any new system, they are taking time to bed in. Your patience is appreciated and if you have any questions or concerns or just need more information please get in touch. 

Communal containers

Not all city centre streets will have an evening collection but will be piloting communal refuse bins, and where possible communal recycling points for paper and packaging,  that are collected during the day. If you are part of the communal containers trial you will get a letter telling you about the changes to your collection.

Increasing recycling

We're also taking part in the wider Waste and Recycling strategy by running a food waste recycling and collection pilot with around 20,000 residents, including residents of the World Heritage Site. After the pilot is finished it will be evaluated then rolled out to everyone in the city.