Polystyrene is the latest material to be accepted at recycling centres in Aberdeenshire.
This week, new bins were erected at the council-run facilities in Banchory, Portlethen and Stonehaven.
As a result, people will be now be able to recycle expanded polystyrene (EPS), which includes all polystyrene materials such as shape-moulded packaging, blocks and planks of fill materials, packing boxes and packaging balls.
The centres will not, however, accept any polystyrene containers contaminated with food, takeaway packaging, biodegradable or compostable packing chips, or Styrofoam cups.
The polystyrene recycling trial, which will last one year, is part of a wider five-year waste strategy approved by councillors in 2019.
Ros Baxter, Aberdeenshire Council’s waste manager, said: “We’re continually seeking opportunities to recycle new materials and divert waste from the landfill.
“The polystyrene trial is a positive step towards increasing our recycling rate.”
Chairman of the authority’s Infrastructure Services, Peter Argyle, added: “The polystyrene recycling trial reflects the council’s continued efforts to boost recycling rates in Aberdeenshire.
“If the outcome is positive, this trial could lead to a long-term solution for polystyrene disposal.”
In recent years, the region’s recycling rate has been a little over 43.5% – slightly below the national average.
The council believes that if all recyclable materials were recycled effectively, that rate could be over 70%.
To find the nearest polystyrene recycling point near you, visit
http://bit.ly/AbshireHRC
.
