Recycling & Waste Collections – Lewis & Harris Service Update

14 June 2023 at 09:36:41

Following the planned service changes to Waste & Recycling Collections in Lewis & Harris which began on Monday 29th May 2023, the Comhairle would like to respond to some commonly asked questions that we have been receiving:

The changes to Household Recycling and Waste collection services in Lewis and Harris have been introduced to improve the quantity and quality of recycled materials collected, and to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. These changes will ensure that the Comhairle is compliant with the Scottish Household Recycling Charter and Code of Practice, help improve recycling rates, and allow us to play our part in reaching Scotland's ambitious climate targets.

As detailed in the service change leaflet that was distributed to every household, we wish to clarify the Comhairle's policy on non-recyclable waste bin provision. It's the Comhairle's policy that only one 240 litre non-recyclable waste bin is permitted per household, per collection. It has been proven that reducing capacity for non-recyclable waste results in an increase in participation in recycling services. All our collection routes and timetables and an electronic copy of the leaflet can be found online.

The Comhairle do have a policy where additional non-recyclable waste capacity can be applied for, provided the criteria is met. For more information on this policy, to review the criteria and access the application form please visit the Second Bin Policy page

If householders have existing additional non-recyclable waste bins and do not meet the criteria, please contact 01851 70 9900 in order to arrange to have these additional bins removed.

Due to a number of collections being missed as a result of household bins being presented alongside neighbour property's bins, we would like to highlight the importance that bins are identifiable to properties by way of a house number or house name.

Due to the nature of such a large scale service change, some additional route changes may be necessary following the implementation of the new 3 weekly collections, in order to maximise capacity and service efficiency. In the event that additional route changes may be required, this will be publicised prior to any further changes being implemented.

All Refuse Collection Vehicles are fitted with 360° CCTV cameras. We respectfully remind the public of the Comhairle's Policy on Unacceptable Action By Complainants. The Comhairle does not expect staff to tolerate unacceptable behaviour by complainants or any customer. Unacceptable behaviour includes behaviour which is abusive, offensive or threatening, whether by telephone, e-mail or face-to-face.