Communal bin review

Upcoming works

Summer 2026 works

We are making changes to bin hubs across Edinburgh which will see some new bin hubs being installed and others relocated. This package of works to relocate and install bin hubs started in May 2026.

The work package includes changes to bin hubs outlined in Traffic Regulation Order (Ref: TRO/25/03). A report detailing the Stage 2 representations was approved at the Traffic Regulation Orders Sub-Committee meeting in March 2026. All objections and comments were considered as part of the making of the final order. You can read the report and watch the webcast of the meeting on our website Agenda for Traffic Regulation Orders Sub-Committee on Tuesday, 17 March, 2026, 10am - Modern Council

The decision by the TRO Sub-Committee to approve Making the Order, marks the completion of the legal process. The upcoming works seek to ensure that on-street markings and signs match the restrictions now in place and enable bin hubs to be installed or relocated.

Bin hub relocations - installation process

Where a bin hub is being relocated, we will;

  1. add double yellow lines at new bin hub locations
  2. move the wheeled bins
  3. install food bin housings
  4. update line markings at the old bin hub locations
  5. install bull bars at a later date

New bin hubs – installation process

Where there is a new bin hub being installed, we will;

  1. add double yellow lines at new bin hub locations
  2. add wheeled bins
  3. install food bin housings
  4. install bull bars at a later date
  5. remove any excess bins in place (not part of bin hubs)

Food Bin Housings

The black metal food bin housings for bin hubs are due to be relocated and installed by our team from the end of July and are due to be finished by the end of September.

Road markings

We are visiting sites and applying relevant markings on the pavement at bin hub locations. These markings are not permanent and will break down after a few months. The markings and text applied to the ground for the bin hubs represent the following:

  • FBH = Food bin housing
  • DYL = Double yellow lines
  • SUB = Shared Use Bay (Parking bay)
  • PHO = Permit Holder Only (Parking bay)
  • P+D = Pay and Display (Parking bay)

We ask residents not to tamper with these markings as this can risk incorrect installation leading to project delays and increased costs. If you think a marking or location looks incorrect, please email waste@edinburgh.gov.uk

Bull bars

Bull bars will be installed later this year at bin hubs after the line markings and food bin housings are place.

Disruption to works

There have also been incidents in earlier phase of the project where residents, unhappy with a bin hub location, have attempted to delay, disrupt or prevent the works from happening. The waste and recycling service is statutory and within controlled parking zones, the locations have completed the legal Traffic Regulation Order process. We will take appropriate steps, to ensure the safety of residents, contractors and colleagues whilst these works are underway.

Anyone who is unaware of a planned bin hub installation or relocation, or who has questions about the consultation process should contact waste@edinburgh.gov.uk. Find out how to make a complaint. 

If you have any questions or require further information about any specific planned works, you can contact the waste project team.