Eco-conscious North Ayrshire chiefs insist they will refuse to rest on their laurels - despite being one of Scotland’s leading recycling authorities.
The pledge came from Tony Gurney, cabinet member for place, who is doubling down to try and ensure the council continues to respond to the issues around climate change.
“We are proud to have the second-highest recycling rate of all Scottish local authorities but recognise there is still work to be done,” said the Ardrossan and Saltcoats councillor.
He added: “Every individual, household, family and business has a part to play in helping North Ayrshire continue to drive forward with our recycling efforts.
“Climate and environment are two key areas of priority for the council and we will continue to strive to improve our recycling rate with – as ever – support from our residents and communities.”
NAC were ranked as the second-highest recycling local authority in Scotland back in October.
The council was listed in second place on a table of Scotland's 32 council areas for recycling in 2021, after being ranked seventh the year before.
And council staff and residents across the area were credited for the impressive improvement, during what was a difficult year because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) released its annual report on household waste and the data shows the council area recycled 56.3 per cent of household waste during the calendar year for 2021.
This compares with 52.1 per cent for 2020.
The only local authority to perform better in 2021 was East Renfrewshire, with a recycling rate of 58.1 per cent.
The council's rate also sits well above the national average of 42.7 per cent.
Residents can help make a difference by putting household waste into the right bins.
On the mainland and Cumbrae these are:
- Blue bin – paper, card and cardboard (loose, clean and dry)
- Purple bin – glass jars and bottles, cans, plastics and cartons (loose, clean and dry)
- Brown bin – food and garden waste (either loose or in compostable food waste liners)
On Arran these are:
- Blue bin – paper, card and cardboard, glass jars and bottles, cans, plastics and cartons (loose, clean and dry)
On the mainland, Arran and Cumbrae please remember to use your grey bin for non-recyclable material.
- Grey bin – items that cannot be recycled, including nappies, polystyrene, used tissues, plastic wrap and bags and cling film.
