Environment leaders are to clear the streets of the Scottish capital of the plethora of bins used by shops, restaurants and other firms.

 

Edinburgh City Council said trade waste bins will be removed from the streets as part of a citywide scheme which will begin in April.

Businesses will no longer be permitted to permanently store their waste containers in public, and will be required to present rubbish and recycling during timed collection windows.

Trials on Rose Street and its lanes, Leith Walk and High Street experienced, on average, an 81 per cent drop in the number of bins permanently outside business properties.

Now the policy will be introduced to traders across the city on a phased basis, beginning in April with around 5000 businesses in the centre.

This will be followed by areas like Leith, Southside, Fountainbridge and Portobello.

Lesley Hinds, environment convener, said: "Keeping the city clean and attractive will benefit residents, visitors and businesses alike, and removing unsightly trade waste bins from the streets is one big step towards achieving this.

"It is extremely encouraging to see such positive results from the pilot areas, and there is no doubt the scheme will continue having an impact on our environment as it rolls out across the city."

Gordon Minnis, owner of Rose Street North Lane restaurant Calistoga, said: "The lane looks a lot smarter with only a dozen or so small bins whereas before there were over 40 large containers. It's also led to a reduction in litter and fly-tipping.

"Our customers are delighted as they have a much better view when dining and don't need to navigate their way round large waste containers to get to our restaurant."

Businesses will receive letters detailing the timetables for impelmentation.

to inform them when the changes are being introduced to their area.

Find out more about the Trade Waste pilot on the Council website, including guidance, a map of phase one and more case studies.