New large capacity litter bins are being installed across North Lanarkshire to help keep communities clean.
The 240 and 360 litre bins have already been installed in country parks, with installation starting in towns and villages in the north area this summer. The installation programme will then move across the council area and be complete by the end of the financial year.
New bins will be installed near public roads and in the busiest areas in towns and villages. They will be emptied routinely on a three-weekly, or higher frequency depending on the location, by the council’s bin lorries, as part of their regular routes.
All types of litter, including bagged dog waste, can be placed in the large bins.
Although smaller bins, which often overflow and need emptied more often, will be removed on a phased programme, there will be a 400% increase in litter bin capacity across North Lanarkshire.
“Keeping local streets clean is a key priority for our residents, and these new larger litter bins will provide much more capacity and allow us to deliver a more efficient cleansing service,” said Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee.
“The initiative is also more environmentally friendly as the new bins will use fewer plastic bags, and we will cut the amount of fuel used by our fleet and, as result, reduce emissions.
“As we install the new bins, we monitor their use to ensure they’re in the most appropriate locations and, if needed, move them to best meet the needs of each community.
“Our parks and greenspaces have been very well used throughout the covid pandemic and will be an important resource for families during the school holidays. I would appeal to all residents to play their part in keeping our parks and streets clean – please bin your litter or take it home.”
The bin replacement programme is also part of the council’s RecoverNL plans to help the area return to normal as covid restrictions continue to ease.