20 January 2021

Polystyrene recycling trial resumes in Aberdeenshire

A polystyrene recycling trial at three household recycling centres operated by Aberdeenshire Council will resume on Monday January 25, 2021.

Shortly after the launch of the one-year trial with Styropack back in February, the initiative was temporarily halted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, bins have again been designated for polystyrene within the three participating HRCs at Crow’s Nest Banchory, Portlethen and Stonehaven.

Styropack will also be hosting a collection point outside its Craigshaw Road depot in Aberdeen’s West Tullos Industrial Estate.

The centres will be accepting Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) only, which includes all polystyrene packing materials such as shape-moulded packaging, blocks and planks of fill materials, packing boxes and packaging balls.

Centres will not accept any polystyrene containers contaminated with food, takeaway packaging, biodegradable or compostable packing chips, or Styrofoam cups.

Ros Baxter, Aberdeenshire Council’s Waste Manager, said: “We are delighted to have the trial back up and running as both the polystyrene and rigid plastic pilots will provide us with key data which will help shape the services we provide to the public.

“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 in Aberdeenshire.”

The polystyrene recycling trial is part of the wider Waste Strategy which was approved by councillors in 2019. The strategy aims to improve waste and recycling services in Aberdeenshire, including the network of HRCs.

To find the nearest polystyrene recycling point near you, visit http://bit.ly/AbshireHRC

Bookings are required to gain access to a recycling centre. You can make your booking at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/recyclingcentrebookings.

For those who do not have access to a computer, telephone booking can be made by calling Aberdeenshire Council’s Wasteline on 03456 081207.

If you are considering making a booking, please remember to follow current government restrictions and avoid all non-essential travel.

For regular waste service updates, including collection announcements, please sign up to the MyAberdeenshire app www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/my/mobile-app/

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