THE kerbside blue box service for glass recycling will be retained for Wee County residents who receive assistance with collections.

However, the previously announced changes which will see collection points put in place around communities are to be rolled out for all other households in Clackmannanshire, if there is agreement by all elected members.

Scrapping the kerbside collections, which have been in place since 1999 in partnership with Alloa Community Enterprises, was agreed in the council budget in 2018 for a £159,000 saving, but implementation was delayed this April over local concerns for the elderly and disabled.

A move agreed at last Thursday’s, June 6, Place Committee meeting sought to address worries that some people would not be able to take their glass bottles and jars to collection points and is estimated to cost around £45,000.

It means that those who successfully apply for an assisted collection will have their glass recycling uplifted by an external contractor, at a reduced frequency on a four-weekly cycle.

Currently, there are around 1,500 households in the Wee County that receive this service, 600 of these get help with the kerbside boxes.

Assisted collections are provided to those who are elderly, have a medical condition or disability and are unable to present their waste or recycling to the designated collection point.

The council will only consider an application of there is no one in the property to assist in this regard.

Each application comes with a risk assessment with reviews every two years.

Historically, the local authority and its residents have performed very well in recycling with high rates that ranked Clackmannanshire third in Scotland in 2017-18.

Place Committee chair Councillor Craig Holden, who called for a detailed report into the matter when the rollout was delayed, was always keen to stress the local authority remains committed to recycling.

He also said he will continue to listen to communities, the changes detailed above seeking to address the key concerns raised by locals.

The SNP representative did, however, highlight that it is also individuals’ responsibility to recycle, something the council is there to facilitate.

Ahead of the meeting, there was a cross-party briefing to address the issue, all corners of the Kilncraigs chamber giving the nod last Thursday.

One concern was raised by Labour’s Cllr Kenny Earle regarding safety and maintenance around collection points, the representative voicing worries bottles lying about could be used as weapons.

Responding, an officer detailed how street sweepers will attend at least twice a week, bin lorries will go past with crews to report any issues and the glass will be uplifted once a week.

The Scottish Government’s deposit return scheme could have a significant effect on council waste collection when in force, so a further report will be considered at the time.

Full council will still need to agree the changes as elected members will need to reverse a previous decision.