Refuse collectors in Glasgow add modern bin depots to Christmas wish list
They'll be joined on shift by councillors next week.
Staff working 12 hour shifts emptying bins across Glasgow are telling us they're putting brand new modern depots on their Christmas wish list.
They'll be joined by councillors next week as they warn against shutting the smaller ones in favour of building bigger facilities.
Growing concerns
Chris Mitchell from GMB Scotland told: "We have been raising this issue with senior management officials for years and we have had enough.
"We sit in these facilities to have our dinner and some of them are falling apart."
Preparing for the future
The city council has plans to rationalise depots in the coming years and says closing some facilities will allow it to reinvest the money into improving street cleansing and waste disposal services.
George Redmond from Glasgow Labour will be joining staff at the Polmadie depot on a 12 hour shift.
He said: "it is important for people like myself, in the position I hold, to go out and join hard working people.
"Giving commentary from the sidelines isn't helpful and I would rather see the pressures they are under with my own eyes."
Improving services
A council spokesman said: “A review of how our depots operate will help us to improve staff conditions, target investment and extend the life of existing facilities wherever possible.
“The review process has already generated a £41m funding package for the full renovation of our Easter Queenslie depot, where a new recycling centre will be built alongside fully modernised staff facilities.
“Consolidating our facilities will also help us to focus on how we deliver our refuse collection, street cleansing and waste disposal services.
“We are confident this will lead to more efficient services, eliminating many unnecessary trips between depots, and provide better value for money for council tax payers.”
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