The local authority hopes that in conjunction with materials sent to their Energy Recovery Plant, it will help Shetland to achieve one of the lowest rates in Scotland for sending waste to landfill which is expected to fall under 17%. 
Councillor Jim Henry, environment spokesperson said: “Offering this additional kerbside recycling collection service shows the council's commitment to our community to help make Shetland an environmental centre of excellence. The diversion rate from landfill is well ahead of most other authorities in Scotland. It will help the council to recycle even more household waste and so reduce the use of landfill.”
Over the last four weeks residents in Lerwick have been participating in the new scheme. Extra collection of paper and glass bottles had been trialled in Scalloway over the last twelve months and proven to be a “great success.”
The council has purchased a brand new collection vehicle to cope with the new system. The purpose built recycling van has six different compartments on board to maximise flexibility of collection and reduce the risk of cross contamination of waste.
Shetland Island Council has already arranged a destination for the recycled materials. Paper is now shredded and offered to local crofters for use and animal bedding and the plastic bottles and cans are baled and sent south for reprocessing. Glass is crushed by Enviroglass in Cunningburgh and sometimes used to make coloured paving slabs.
Shetland residents outside of Lerwick and Scalloway can take their glass bottles and cans to their local collection point or deliver them to the Civic Amenity Site at Gremista Landfill, which offers recycling facilities for a variety of materials.
Register for free to comment