Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 04 December 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Comhairle Moves Ahead With Green Recycling Initiatives

Following a successful pilot scheme, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have re-launched their recycling initiative with the replacement of the collection banks for cans, glass and plastic bottles at the CO-OP and Safeway supermarkets in Stornoway. In addition, the locations for the next phase of recycling points have been identified and recycling banks will shortly be in place at Barvas, Garynahine and Cameron Terrace (Lochs).

Chairman of Environmental Services, Cllr. Angus Nicolson, said: "Lessons have been learned from the pilot scheme using the small recycling banks and we are confident that the new, specially designed units will help provide a more efficient service. The new banks have greatly increased capacity and can be emptied and returned very quickly."

Since the introduction of the pilot scheme last Christmas, over 22.53 tonnes of glass, plastic and cans have been diverted from landfill. The glass collected has been processed to make an aggregate replacement. This material is ideal for use as a drainage medium and the first batch, amounting to some 10 tonnes, was used by Tong Land and Property Trustees in their carpark and dry-stone wall project at the Tong Community Centre.

Cllr. Nicolson said: "Recycling waste is an increasingly important area for the Comhairle and over the next few weeks there will be a number of developments and innovations on the Comhairle's 'green agenda'. Environment
has always been important to the people of the Western Isles and the Comhairle is putting in place facilities which enable people to be responsible, protect the environment and benefit their community".

The next step in the development of recycling in the Western Isles will be to provide a network of recycling points to cover other areas of Lewis, Harris and the Southern Isles.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk