And it’s all thanks to a project that has introduced, new-style communal recycling bins for around 700 residents living in flatted properties in Springhall.

Since the upgraded industrial blue and light grey bins were installed in June, 2.5 tonnes of paper and cardboard and a further 3.4 tonnes of glass, cans, and plastics have been collected.

Under the previous ‘co-mingled’ service contamination rates were so high that the contents had to be treated as non-recyclable waste.

Now, the entirety of the almost six tonnes collected since the end of June can and will be recycled.

The council’s waste services team made a funding bid to the Scottish Government's Recycling Improvement Fund earlier this year for the purchase of 250 new light grey and blue 1280-litre communal bins,  specifically designed to discourage contamination, for use across South Lanarkshire

The blue bins allow only ‘letterbox style’ access for the deposit of paper and cardboard. Restrictor plates are in place on light grey bins to allow the effective collection of glass, cans, and plastic, while preventing bagged waste from being thrown into the mix.

The bins are also accessible to those with disabilities.

The change in approach was supported by an information campaign which made sure each affected household was sent a detailed letter, explaining the new system. Collection calendars were also provided.

The first collection of paper and cardboard took place on 24 June followed by an initial collection of glass, cans, and plastics on 9 July.

Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources committee (pictured) says he is ‘encouraged’ with the results so far.

He added: “The new bins seem to have been a great success with local people in Springhall. I have seen this myself in visits round the area. I hope this can be a trailblazer for other such neighbourhoods.

“It is important for the council to make sure that those who live in flatted properties have equal access to home recycling opportunities, but logistically, and financially this has proven a difficult issue to fully solve.

“It’s hugely significant that nearly six tonnes of extra, clean recyclable waste have been collected since the end of June. 

“This looks like a game changer, and congratulations are due to everyone involved.”

Waste Services are currently working on plans to extend the service to similar sites across South Lanarkshire.