Changes in the World Heritage site
We recognise the uniqueness of the World Heritage Site. We are working with Edinburgh World Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland to help ensure waste and recycling services do not undermine the character of the area but also increase the amount of waste that we recycle.
Why the service needs to change
The Council has ambitious targets to become carbon neutral by 2030 and to meet these we need to ensure our recycling rates are enhanced. We want every resident in Edinburgh to have equal opportunities to recycle their waste.
As the waste collection authority, we have a statutory right to specify how waste is collected. The service is changing because
- the current service does not provide enough capacity for recycling and this leads to litter issues
- we are improving the communal bin service across the city and this will include the World Heritage Site
- the use of gull proof bags has been low, causing overflows of waste in nearby bins
- there are safety and manual handling issues for both residents and collection crews.
Gull proof bag and recycling box collections in some streets in the New Town are changing. We've been trialling a new service in some streets, and this is ongoing.
Phase 5 Area A (Old Town/ George Street)
We will be making improvements to communal waste provisions in part of the city centre. This area (Area A) is in the World Heritage Site so we have engaged with various heritage bodies and together have agreed the following changes to reduce the visual impact of bin hubs:
- The standard metal bars at each end of the bin hub are usually chrome but we have sourced and purchased a bespoke black metal design for these bin hubs.
- A dark green lid will be used for the mixed recycling bins.
- The standard glass recycling bin lid is entirely purple but within the World Heritage Site the lid will be black
Engagement
In May, we sent letters to affected residents and businesses and held information sessions to inform residents of bin hub locations and answer queries.
We received a total of 79 comments during the engagement period which we reviewed. 10 bin hubs received only supportive comments in relation to the location and/or the improvement in recycling service. 27 bin hubs received a mix of comments, and we were able to make changes to 8 bin hub locations in line with the criteria and review framework.
Next steps
Where plans have changed, we have contacted those affected. The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is being progressed and we expect works to install these bin hubs in early 2025.
Phase 5 - New Town and West End
The remainder of Phase 5 is still in the planning stages. This area currently has a mix of services which includes communal bins, recycling boxes and gull proof sacks. Currently there is an ongoing trial of a recycling option for gull proof sacks in a small number of streets in the New Town. We are reviewing options for the New Town and West End and will engage with residents, Ward Councillors, Community Councils and other stakeholders when improvements are proposed. We will not change any services without engaging with residents first.
Update as of October 2024
- Meetings have been held with relevant community councils.
- Public information sessions took place in November 2021.
- A programme of meetings have been held with Edinburgh World Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland.
- Outcome of environmental impact assessment screening application is available.
- Independent research into potential alternative recycling options published and submitted to committee.
- Project update provided to Transport and Environment committee in November 2023.
- An update is due for discussion at November 2024 Transport and Environment Committee which includes the outcomes from the gull proof sack recycling trial and an engagement timeline.