Why are new grey recycling bins in Glasgow being fitted with tracking devices?

Glasgow City Council is to begin a phased introduction of new grey recycling bins next month that will be fitted with tracking devices.

As part of the council’s plan to reach carbon neutral status by 2030, the new dark grey bins are expected to be introduced in all of Glasgow’s “kerbside properties” by March 2025.

The bins, mainly for plastics, metals, cartons, soft plastics and film will be collected every four weeks with a phased introduction beginning in Knightswood in the north-west of Glasgow in March this year.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the bins will be fitted with RFID tracking devices to monitor missed collections and their locations.

As part of the changes, residents are urged to recycle only paper, card and cardboard only in the blue bin.

As well as plastic bottles, the grey bin can now be used for yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, food trays, plastic wrapping, carrier bags and film lids.

Food tins, drinks cans and cartons can also be recycled in the grey bin.

Approximately 5,500 properties along four routes in the Garscadden and Scotstounhill ward will be supplied with the grey bins initially.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, city convener for neighbourhood services and assets, said: “Introducing a new bin for metal and plastic containers for kerbside collections is a big part of our plans to improve recycling in Glasgow.

“The new bin will make it easier and more convenient for households to recycle a much wider range of materials at home and improve the quality of the materials we collect.

“We have seen with our pilot of on-street bin hubs for flats that the twin bin approach to recycling dry goods can increase how much material ends up being recycled. With work also underway on a new hi-tech materials recycling facility at Easter Queenslie, we are determined to drive up recycling rates in Glasgow.

“Recycling more is obviously good for the environment, but it’s also good for the taxpayer as it cuts the cost of disposing of the rubbish we generate.”

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland said: “We’re excited Glasgow is enhancing its recycling services and improving the quality of materials collected, which is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the city.

“The support from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund coupled with Glasgow City Council’s investment in a new materials recovery facility further underscores the city’s dedication to improving recycling.

“These changes will lead to substantial reductions in CO2 emissions and help take Scotland further on its journey to becoming a circular economy.”

The council say the new service will then be introduced to the remainder of the north-west area by the summer before being expected to be completed by March 2025.

The areas of Blairdardie, Drumchapel, Temple, Anniesland, Jordanhill, Whiteinch, Yoker, Scotstoun, Kelvindale, Kelvinside, North Maryhill, Summerston, Lambhill, Milton, Ruchill and Possilpark will then receive the bins.

In advance of receiving the bin, residents will be issued with a letter explaining when it will be delivered and a leaflet containing information on collections.

A drop-in event is being held at Knightswood Community Centre on Tuesday, March 5 between 11am and 7pm.

These changes bring Glasgow’s recycling services to properties with individual bins in line with Scottish Government guidance.

It comes after £21m investment from the government’s Recycling Improvement Fund (RIF) and a further £20m from the Council to support modernisation of collections and to construct a new recycling facility.

The new service is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 6100 tonnes, equivalent to taking 3245 cars off the road for a year.