South Ayrshire Council News

Pictured at one of the new recycling banks in Ayr town centre are Councillors and staff from South Ayrshire Council
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South Ayrshire Council is keen to further improve its recycling and composting rates by installing new 'Node' recycling banks in Ayr town centre.

The Council achieved an outstanding recycling and composting rate of 43.1% for April 2007 to March 2008, the second highest recycling rate in Scotland for that period an increase of 3.8% on the equivalent period in 06/07.

The 'Node' banks have several separate sections in them so that people can correctly recycle their waste and stop it becoming contaminated by other items. The bins are easy to use and have been strategically placed in Ayr town centre.

Councillor Peter Convery, the Council's Portfolio Carrier for Sustainability and the Environment and local Councillors went to see for themselves how the 'Node' banks operate. Councillor Convery said: "The 'Node' banks have proved very successful in other cities and towns. They make it quick and easy for shoppers and residents to dispose of waste. Very importantly they provide a town centre recycling facility that I am sure local residents will also welcome.

"I am confident that these recycling banks will help us to increase our recycling rate, which will help to improve our environment and reduce the amount we send to landfill sites."

Bobby Gavin, Sales Executive of Taylors who produce the 'Node' recycling bins travelled to Ayr to meet with the Councillors he said: "Recycling on the go is a major factor in the Scottish Government's policy to achieve Zero Waste and the Nodes, with large information panels, will help give the public clear guidance on what to recycle. What's so fantastic about this initiative though is that the Council has really taken the appearance of Ayr Town Centre into account. It would have been easy just to place industrial style bins on the streets but the Nodes really blend into the town centre environment, becoming as much asset as facility. And as a regular visitor to the town I'm all for that!"