Ban on tyre disposal at Thurso recycling centre
A BAN is being introduced on the disposal of tyres at the Highland Council recycling centre in Thurso from next week.
The move comes into effect on Monday and will apply to all such facilities run by the local authority.
The measure was outlined in the council’s A Sustainable Highland programme and approved by members earlier this year. It will help bridge the £60 million budget gap facing the council over the next three years.
Councillor Allan Henderson, the chairman of the environment, development and infrastructure committee said: "The restriction on disposing of tyres at Highland Council household waste recycling centres is aimed at encouraging householders to take more responsibility for their waste and is anticipated to deliver a saving of approximately £70,000 a year, which is the current annual cost of disposing of tyres from Highland recycling centres.”
He continued: "From April 1, the council’s bulky uplift service will also be expanded to include collection of car sized tyres and wheels. This is intended to provide householders with another means of getting rid of unwanted tyres, while allowing the council to recover the cost of collection and disposal.
"By considering the durability of the items we buy and how easily they can be maintained, re-used or recycled at the end of their useful life, we can all make a significant contribution to reducing waste and moving towards a more circular economy in Highland," added Mr Henderson.
The Highland Council disposes of 22 per cent more waste per person than the Scottish average. As vehicle tyres are not classified as household waste the council is not statutorily obliged to accept them. Alternative options for their disposal are available. Householders can also dispose of unwanted tyres through the network of garages and tyre dealers in Highland that will accept old tyres and recycle them on their behalf for a small fee – approximately £2 a tyre.
Vehicle tyres cannot be landfilled and cannot be disposed of in refuse bins. Householders should also be aware that any business which offers to collect their tyres should be a registered waste carrier.
For more information e-mail recycle@highland.gov.uk or call 01349 886603.