Calls for bulk waste recycling hubs at bin depots across Glasgow

Trade union bosses say it would help to reduce the amount of fly tipping in the city.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 4th Jul 2023

There are calls to create special recycling hubs at bin depots across Glasgow where people can drop off reusable old furniture and white goods.

Chris Mitchell from GMB Scotland claims it would help to reduce waste across the city and people struggling for money or moving into their first home.

He told Clyde 1: "There are places in similar sized cities across Europe where people can take furniture that can be re-used.

"I think this set-up would allow people buying their first home or struggling with money get their hands on decent bulky items for their house.

"I am quite sure that we could find a space in one of the bigger depots like Shieldhall and the council could advertise for people to come and collect what they need once a month."


Calls for bulk waste recycling hubs at bin depots across Glasgow
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The trade union leader feels the policy would help to reduce incidents of fly tipping across Glasgow and help keep the city cleaner.

He added: "The fly tipping culture is destroying the look of parts of the city and the environment.

"The problem is being made worse by the bulk waste uplift charge introduced by the council."

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “The city’s four household waste recycling centres already provide a wide range of recycling options for bulky waste and are very well used by the Glasgow public, with almost 600,000 visits last year alone.

“There are clear health and safety issues with re-using certain items and we also have a duty to ensure that any items left at our waste centres are disposed of appropriately.

“We have trialled a reuse service of electrical goods, but it was found that very few of the items that had been dumped were actually in a serviceable condition.

“Zero Waste Scotland’s on-line reuse tool helps to identify charities that collect items for second hand shops and there are other options on social media where residents can advertise unwanted goods for collection.

“But we are happy to look at any practical suggestion that can assist the effort to reduce the amount of waste produced by the city.

“Fly-tipping reports went down last year and are now below pre-covid levels.

“The bulk uplift service ensures large, unwanted goods can be collected for just £5 per item.”

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