Small litter bins are to be removed from streets and parks across Monklands to be replaced by larger containers which will “reduce the risk of overflowing”.
North Lanarkshire Council will install new bins of 240 and 360 litres in capacity at key locations including town centres and green spaces, which will then be emptied by the authority’s bin lorries as part of their regular three-weekly collection programme.
The move is to “significantly increase the capacity available in communities”, and will also result in a reduction of 200,000 non-recyclable plastic bin bags per year which are currently used to line the smaller bins found on streets and attached to lampposts.
Environment convener Michael McPake, the Glenboig councillor, said: “Smaller bins fill up quickly and can overflow, causing a mess on the surrounding grass or path.
“With bins being emptied by the lorries carrying out domestic waste collections, we’ll reduce the number of vans on the road, helping to reduce emissions and fuel costs.
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“The new bins and collection service have been designed to reduce the litter on our streets, be more environmentally friendly, increase capacity and deliver a more efficient service to the public.”
An online map shows that nearly 100 smaller bins across Monklands are to be removed in the coming months, with most of the replacement locations still to be confirmed.
Councillor McPake added: “The council invests significant resources in street cleaning, including picking up dropped litter – valuable resources which could be better spent in delivering local services.
“I’d appeal to local people to play their part by putting litter in a public bin or taking it home. Let’s keep North Lanarkshire clean and safe for everyone.”
The bin replacement programme – which will also “deliver a more efficient street cleaning service” for North Lanarkshire – will begin in the north of the authority where officials say public bin capacity will almost quadruple to nearly 150,000 litres.
Council officials add that “all types of litter, including bagged dog waste, can be placed in the large bins”; and add: “Dog walkers are reminded that dog waste bags can also be placed in the owner’s general household wheelie bin.”
