Be responsible with your waste

Remember, in North Ayrshire, for Household Waste, the BLUE bin is for paper, card and cardboard, the PURPLE bin is for glass, cans and plastics and the BROWN bin is for food (including tea bags) and garden waste. GREY bins should only be used for items which cannot be recycled.

For Commercial Waste (eg using the bins in our offices and Council buildings) – please remember that all recyclables go in BLUE bins, all food waste in the BROWN and GREY for everything else!

Lisa Christie, Waste Awareness Officer with Neighbourhood Services (pictured) shares: “

As Council employees, we can all play a part – no matter how small – in making a change by recycling and switching to sustainable items where we can.

“Recycling contamination is an issue that we can all tackle together if we take our time to stop and think before disposing waste. It is caused by people putting the wrong things in their recycling bins. This means they then can’t be recycled at all, or it can reduce the quality of other recycling, making it unusable.

“But, recycling is a simple, yet essential part of solving the climate crisis. Every individual has the chance to make a difference, just by placing recyclable materials into the correct bin.

“Simple things you can do help avoid contamination are rinsing your cans, bottles and food containers so that they don’t impact on other materials.

“Check out our informative poster on what waste goes in each bin. To ensure everyone is playing their part, why not print it out for your work location to encourage everyone to do the right recycling.”

Get more information about recycling on our dedicated Recycling in North Ayrshire webpage.

5 tips for choosing sustainable over single-use…

1. Stay hydrated by investing in a good reusable water bottle
2. Bring your own containers and cutlery (including your own hot drinks cup) into work when visiting the staff café, this will help to cut down on unnecessary waste from single use cutlery and packaging
3. If you like to use a straw, buy your own metal one that is easy to wash and take out with you on-the-go
4. Pop a reusable shopping bag into your work bag to avoid being caught out and having to buy a plastic one when shopping on your break
5. If you use period products, consider trying out sustainable eco options like menstrual cups or washable pads.

Please speak to a Waste Awareness Officer if you would like more advice on recycling and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics (2nd Floor West).