Danielle Lappin, Reporter

NEW three weekly general waste collection services are set to begin in Helensburgh, Lomond and Mid-Argyll from October 31.

It will begin in Kintyre and on Mull, Islay, Jura and Bute on Monday, October 3 and from November 28 in Oban, Lorn and Cowal and on Lismore, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay.

Argyll and Bute Council has made arrangements to increase recycling services, to help households move to a three-weekly general waste collection, meet national recycling targets, and save money for council services Households that currently have a blue recycling bin can request a second bin and homes with recycling bags can request additional ones.

Recycling waste will continue to be uplifted every two weeks while green (general waste) bins will be collected every three weeks.

Householders will soon receive a calendar of collection dates so that they know exactly when their waste will be uplifted.

Councillor Ellen Morton, Policy Lead for Amenity Services, said: “Recycling more will save space for general waste in green bins and it will save money for council services.

“For every tonne of waste that goes to landfill the council has to pay over £80 tax, which means about £2.6 million in total. The more we can recycle the more we can save.

“Funding for our council services has reduced significantly. We must change how we do things so we can continue to provide a wide range of services.

“Like all local authorities we must work with our residents to meet national targets for reducing waste. The new arrangements for collecting refuse help meet both these challenges.

“The more we reduce the amount of general waste we send to landfill, the more we can save, so we would say to everyone, please avoid wasting money on waste – recycle.”

Arrangements can be made for certain households to have a second general waste green bin – where there are five or more people, where someone has a medical condition that generates waste, or where families have children using nappies and all recycling options have been considered. The Council is working to ensure disruption to the service is kept to a minimum during the transition. Environmental wardens will be available to provide advice on making best use of recycling options.

Waste can also be taken to any of the Council’s civic amenity sites. Locations are listed on the Council website, where further information on waste calendars is also available www.argyll-bute.gov.uk To request additional recycling bins or bags, contact an Environmental Warden, or find out about a second general waste bin if you qualify for one, please call 01546 605514.