Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is leading the way in the Western Isles with the introduction of a dedicated office recycling scheme. From Monday 13th December Comhairle Offices in Stornoway, Tarbert, Balivanich and Barra will be participating in a scheme to recycle waste paper, glass, plastics and metals.

Small recycling bins for each type of material have been provided at convenient locations throughout the larger Comhairle buildings and all materials collected will be taken to the Materials Recycling Facilities at either Bennadrove or Rueval for processing. Newspaper and glass is converted on-island into a useable product. Other materials such as cans and plastics are sorted, baled and sent to mainland processing facilities to be recycled.

This scheme, coordinated by the Western Isles Waste Aware Team, is the first part of a major, integrated waste prevention, community awareness and education campaign run in partnership with the Scottish Waste Awareness Group. The campaign is funded by the Scottish Executive’s Strategic Waste Fund and is critical to achieving community involvement and participation levels for future recycling targets.

“Waste Management is one of the big environmental challenges facing us at the moment” said Councillor Angus Nicolson, Chairman of the Planning and Environmental Services Committee. “There is increasing pressure on us all to recycle more and reduce waste”. Councillor Nicolson adds, “I am pleased that the Comhairle is taking a leading role in this vital area. Bring sites, the familiar blue recycling skips, have been the focus in our recycling efforts up to now. With new recycling facilities being developed and pressure on the environment this sees the start in bringing recycling closer to everyone. We have set ambitious targets for recycling and I am confident that the public will support us in achieving these.”

“There is a popular misconception that recyclables are dumped in the landfill sites” Councillor Nicolson continued. “This is not true. Glass is crushed and graded for use as a non-sharp decorative aggregate and paper is turned into animal bedding, both for local use. The other materials such as plastics, steel, old vehicles and aluminium are sent to the mainland for processing”.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk