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HIGHLAND COUNCIL INTRODUCES A SCOTTISH FIRST IN WASTE RECYCLING

The introduction of Highland Council�s new state of the art �Kerbsider� waste recycling vehicle is not only the first of its kind on the streets of Inverness and Badenoch & Strathspey it is, claims the Council�s Transport, Environmental and  Community Services, the first in operation in Scotland.

As part of the Council�s commitment to reach the Scottish Executive�s National Waste Plan 25% recycling targets by 2006, householders on pilot routes in Inverness and the Aviemore and Boat of Garten areas of Badenoch & Strathspey are being invited to participate in the �Kerbsider� pilot scheme.

Householders will be given special boxes into which they are asked to deposit their used newspapers and drinks cans only. These boxes are then uplifted on a weekly basis on the same day as the normal refuse collection by TECS staff who operate the �Kerbsider� vehicle.

On first sighting the �Kerbsider� looks very similar in size and shape to a regular refuse lorry, however, hidden inside its new and shiny exterior lies an automated system that keeps the drinks cans and newspapers, clean and separate from each other on collection � and it sorts and stores each type of waste within separate hoppers.

The introduction of the �Kerbsider� is one element of The Highland Council�s strategy to fulfil the targets of the Highland Area Waste Plan which the Council is committed to over the next 3 years. The Highland Area Waste Plan is a joint commitment with other organisations (which ones) which have been combined into the National Waste Plan. The aims of the National Plan are to minimise the impact of waste on the environment, locally and globally, to improve resource use efficiency and to remedy environmental injustices suffered by those who had to live with the consequences of a wasteful society.

The �Kerbsider� begins operation on Monday 14^th July and will run a weekly service over the next 12 months. It is estimated that it will collects 400tonnes of paper and cans over the year. The materials will be sold for recycling in the Central Belt.

In addition, The Highland Council will also be collecting garden refuse on the same routes as the �Kerbsider� in a dedicated vehicle and this will be taken to the Longman site in Inverness and Granish Landfill in B&S for composting.  It is expected that 500 tonnes of garden waste will be collected in the first 12 months.

Bill Fulton, The Highland Council�s Depute Chairman for Waste Management with the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee said: �This pilot scheme is the shape of things to come. I am encouraged by this small step and look forward to it being rolled out among the Highland community whose participation is vital to the success of the scheme.

�It will only be successful if everyone plays their part in supporting the Kerbsider. For this to be applied in most places throughout Highland we need the Scottish Executive�s long term support as this type of short term investment is expensive.�

Councillor Stuart Black, Portfolio Holder for TEC Services-Badenoch and Strathspey said: �I am very pleased that we are carrying out Scotland�s first waste management project of this kind in the heart of the Scotland�s newest National Park � the Cairngorm. It�s an appropriate place to introduce this Green initiative.�

David Shaw, Sales Manager Terberg Matec UK, manufacturers of the �Kerbsider� said: �It has been clear for some time that the �Kerbsider� would be supplied to Councils the length and breadth of the country. The high public acceptance of sorting materials at the kerbside without the need for a high tech material recycling facility makes it an automatic choice for those looking for the most high profile method of sorting at source.�