Improved Recycling Scheme - FAQs

Question: What changes are being made to bin collections?

You will still receive a weekly bin collection. The only change is that we will collect your grey/green bin containing non-recyclable (residual) materials one week, and your blue bin containing recycling materials the next.

Question: Why does the council believe this is the right option?

The council, like all other local authorities in Scotland, has to meet very challenging recycling targets set by the Scottish Government. We must also reduce the amount of waste we send to dump sites - landfill - to within specified limits. If we exceed those limits, we become liable to potentially severe financial penalties. That means we would have to use council tax revenue to pay those penalties rather than on continuing to improve our services.

Question: Doesn't my council tax entitle me to a weekly refuse collection?

North Lanarkshire Council will continue to provide a weekly collection as outlined above. In terms of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities have a duty to arrange waste collection, however there is no stated or implied frequency.

Question: Has this change in collection method increased my council tax?

No. In fact, this scheme will help minimise increases in council tax related to waste collection. If North Lanarkshire Council had continued with the previous scheme, there is a significant possibility that over time council tax rates would have to increase, as continuing to send rubbish to dump sites (landfills) would result in increased landfill tax. However, saving money is not the main reason for introducing this scheme. Helping you to recycle is.

Question: Didn’t the council try this type of scheme before?

Yes. However, since then heavier penalties have been introduced for exceeding landfill allowance, and we are able to recycle more materials than before. The scheme we are now using is designed to take advantage of the increased range of materials that can be recycled, and we fully expect it to help us achieve both our recycling targets and a reduction in the waste we send to landfill.

Question: Have other councils introduced similar schemes?

Yes. About 180 local authorities throughout the UK, including 15 in Scotland, successfully operate schemes similar to the one we propose to introduce.

Question: Isn’t this a less efficient service?

No. Your bins will still be emptied on a weekly basis. In fact, it’s a service improvement. We’re enabling you to recycle more and produce less waste, and that’s something all local authorities need to achieve.

Question: Why should I worry about recycling – isn’t that the council’s responsibility?

It’s everyone’s responsibility. We all need to be responsible about how we dispose of waste. Our job is to make it as easy as possible for you to do that. This scheme is the most effective way for us to do that job. Without your co-operation, we won’t meet the recycling targets we must meet. And that means potentially severe financial penalties, which can only have a negative impact on the services the council provides. You can help prevent that.

Question: So what other materials go into my blue bin with paper waste?

You can now put much more in your blue bin. Following the simple steps shown below will help ensure materials are suitable for recycling.

Material	Action required
Clean cardboard (all types)	Flatten and fold
Clean food and drinks cans	Rinse
Aerosol cans	Empty only
Drinks cartons (Tetra Pak type)	Rinse out and flatten
Plastic bottles	Rinse out and flatten
Plastic pots and tubs	Rinse out and flatten
Plastic food trays	Rinse out
Textiles (clothes, towels etc)

 

Question: Won’t an alternate weekly collection mean more smells, flies and maggots in my grey/green bin? Isn’t this a health hazard?

In our experience, and that of other councils, such problems tend to be caused by unwrapped items being placed in the bin. Some simple ways to avoid them are shown below:

• Double wrap and tie any potentially smelly waste (nappies, food etc)
• Ensure your bin lid is always closed
• Occasionally rinse your bin and spray with disinfectant
• If possible, do not store your bin in direct sunlight

Question: How will this scheme motivate me to recycle?

Most of you already want to recycle more, but would like an easier way to do so. That’s what this scheme is all about – enabling you to recycle more materials from your own homes. All you need to do is make sure you have access to a blue bin for your recycling waste. If you’re in any doubt about whether you have the right bin, or you live in a property with more than one home, contact our environmental services contact line for more information on 01698 403110.

Question: We are a large family - how can our bin take two weeks worth of waste?

Families of five people or more are entitled to a free, larger size (360 litre) blue bin for recycling materials. Larger families will also be entitled to the larger sized bin for residual waste in exchange for their current, standard sized 240 litre bin. While there is a charge for the larger bin, it will be discounted against the return of the standard size model.

Question: I have young children in nappies, how do I cope with the extra waste and smells?

To minimise odours, ensure disposable nappies are sealed in a bag or nappy sack prior to placing them in your bin. With recycling materials now being placed in the blue bin, there should be enough room for your green bin to accommodate additional nappy waste. If you are struggling to cope with the quantity of nappies, you could consider trying reusable real nappies.  We promote the Scottish real nappy network, and further details can be found at http://www.srnn.org.uk/

Question: Will I get the same bin back after collection?

Yes. Please identify your bin as your own by clearly marking it with your door number. Please DO NOT use paint, as it tends to look untidy and detract from the appearance of your neighbourhood. The best way to mark your bin is to use indelible marker pen or number stickers on the lid.

Question: When and where should I place my bin out for collection?

Wheeled bins should be placed on the footpath to the front of your property, or other designated point ready for collection from 7.00 am on your designated collection day. If you are unsure when your collection day or point is, call Northline on 01698 403110 and our experienced and professional staff will be able to advise you.

Question: How can I report that my bin has not been emptied?

If your bin has not been emptied please contact Northline on 01698 403110 - every effort will be made to empty any missed bins within 24 hours.

Question: How can I obtain a larger/smaller wheeled bin?

Domestic and recycling wheeled bins are available in three sizes, depending on your circumstances. Larger blue bins are supplied free to those who are entitled to them. A charge will be made for changing your domestic bin - click on Wheeled Bins for details. This charge may be offset against the exchange value of your existing bin.

Question: What happens to extra waste?

Don’t leave it beside your bin – it will not be taken away. Excess recycling waste can be taken to any of the recycling centres or points located throughout the authority. Excess residual waste should be placed in the grey/green bin to await the next collection.

Question: Why can’t I put glass in my blue bin?

Materials from the blue bins have to be sorted by hand. Glass in the bin increases the risk of injury to operatives. If you do not currently have a kerbside glass recycling scheme, please use your nearest glass recycling point. A list of these is available elsewhere on this website.

Question: How can I dispose of large bulky items from my house?

Household waste that cannot be disposed of in your wheeled bin may be taken to a waste disposal and recycling centre or you may place a special uplift request. Restrictions may apply to the disposal of certain types of waste - check on the links above.

Question: Where is my nearest waste disposal and recycling centre and when will it be open?

Click on waste disposal and recycling services to find the address, opening hours and contact number of your local centre.

Question: Where can I find more information on recycling and the council's recycling initiatives?

Call Northline on 01698 403110, or click on Recycling Initiatives for details on the programmes that are currently underway in North Lanarkshire.

Question: How can I dispose of my garden waste?

Brown bins have been provided in most areas for the collection of garden waste. Please do not use plastic bags with your brown bin, as these cannot be composted. Once waste is collected it is taken to a central composting facility where the compost produced will be used for land restoration.

If you do not have a brown bin, or you have large amounts of garden waste, you may use the waste disposal and recycling centres or place a request for a special uplift.

Question: What happens to the material collected in the blue bins?

The mixed materials are taken to a recycling facility, where they are separated into various waste streams for reprocessing.