Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 11 April 2000 For Use: Immediately

Work has started on Phase 1 of a new recycling project for the Western Isles. The building which is being constructed at Bennadrove Landfill Site will be the base for recycling operations in the islands. The project is funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Objective One and will concentrate on finding on-island solutions to recycling. The facility will be operational in late summer this year recycling drinks cans, paper and glass and will pilot research into the use of paper for animal bedding and glass as an aggregate replacement in construction and drainage works.

Commenting on the project, the Chairman of the Comhairle’s Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Donald Nicholson, said:

2This is an extremely worthwhile project and is yet another example of the Comhairle’s determination to get to grips with the problem of waste disposal. It is vitally important that we find solutions which are appropriate to the island context and I am convinced that this new facility will have a significant impact for the better of our environment".

Vice Convener, Roddy Murray, added:

"I hope that in the near future we will see a substantial reduction in landfill waste and I welcome this project wholeheartedly as a first step in addressing the problems of waste disposal".

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer