environment – Page 98 – The NEN

Time to sign up for garden waste collection

The current garden waste service year ends on 8 November

To continue to receive collections in the next service year which runs until 7 November 2021, residents need to renew their permit or sign up for one by 2pm on 9 September. The cost remains at £25 per bin.

The current service year for fortnightly brown bin collections was due to end on 4 October but the council is extending current permits to make up for the service being temporarily suspended in springtime due to coronavirus.

The current health pandemic also means that CEC is encouraging residents to register online and they have made this easier by making the MyGov sign in optional.

Unfortunately, you’re not able to pay in person at locality offices this year as they are being used as community resilience centres for coronavirus, but you can also pay over the phone. Phone lines are likely to be busy so if you’re unable to register online yourself, we’d encourage you to ask a friend or relative to help you.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “Just over 40,000 people have already signed up to receive the service, but I would urge anyone who wants to continue having their brown bin collected but hasn’t yet registered to do so in the next couple of weeks to avoid a gap in collections.

“The quickest and easiest way to do this is online, which is why 90% of the people who have already registered have done so via our website. We know not everyone has access to the internet though, and there is an option for registration over the phone.

The council has made a decision to keep our charge at £25 per bin. This is one of the lowest annual fees in Scotland among local authorities operating a similar service and works out at just under 50 pence a week.

Emails and letters were sent to all 70,900 current subscribers to the service advising them on how to renew their permits.

About the service

Permits cost £25 per brown bin. A one-off payment of £25 will be taken by debit or credit card, unless you’re exempt from paying because you receive Council Tax Reduction.
The deadline to register is 2pm on 9 September and the quickest and easiest way to do this is on our website.
You can also register and pay over the phone by calling 0131 357 2800. Please note we expect phone lines to be busy and there may be long waiting times. Phonelines are open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 3.40pm Friday. Please note we don’t accept cash or cheques.
The deadline to register is 2pm on 9 September and the quickest and easiest way to do this is on our website.
The next service year will run from 9 November 2020 – 7 November 2021.
Brown bins will be emptied once every two weeks, except over the festive period when there will be no collections between 14 December 2020 and 10 January 2021
There will be another opportunity to sign up to the new service year, but the payment will remain at £25 and permits will be valid until 7 November 2021.
Once we’ve received your payment, we’ll send you a permit sticker between 23 October and 4 November to put on your brown bin before the new service year starts. We can only empty bins with valid permit stickers.

Exemptions

If you are a low income household and receive Council Tax Reduction (formerly called Council Tax Benefit) or you, or someone who lives with you, has been classed as severely mentally impaired, the service will be free, but you’ll still need to register for the service. Other council tax discounts, such as single occupancy or disabled person discount, don’t qualify for this reduction. Households that pay for garden aid are not exempt from paying for the service.

Further information about the service is available on the City of Edinburgh Council website, including details about alternative ways to pay, exemptions, how to pay on behalf of someone else and our terms and conditions.

Climate change may put Scottish private water supplies at risk of running dry

The latest UK climate projections show a trend towards drier and warmer summers, with the west of Scotland set to become wetter and the east drier, plus more frequent instances of heavy rainfall.

New research by the James Hutton Institute shows that these changing weather patterns are likely to make private water supplies across Scotland more vulnerable to droughts, a major issue considering that private supplies provide drinking water to 4% of Scotland’s population, and to many more through businesses and tourist facilities.

Summer 2018 was unusually dry and warm and many private water supplies ran dry leaving people needing assistance from their local authority. Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) responded on behalf of the Scottish Government by commissioning a report into how climate change is likely to impact the resilience of private water supplies in the future, focusing on water scarcity.

If, as projected, drier and warmer summers are more frequent, private water supplies will be increasingly vulnerable to water shortages. North east Scotland is forecast to experience the largest increase in water shortages, and it is also where there is the highest density of private water supplies.

Dr Mike Rivington, project lead and co-author of the report, said: “About half of Scotland’s private water supplies are estimated to be within areas of increased vulnerability between now and 2050.

“Future levels of vulnerability are due to reduced water quantity availability combining with specific catchment scale water use, such as for agriculture. Across Scotland this will vary in space and time due to changes in precipitation and temperature that affects the overall water balance.”

Co-author Dr Ioanna Akoumianaki highlights the need for a better understanding of water storage at landscape scales and the potential impacts of dry weather on springs, rivers, lochs and the water table to help assess the risk of private water supplies drying up.

She added: “Awareness of that risk and collaboration between users, local authorities and experts will be key to addressing the challenges and achieving rural supplies that are resilient to changes in the climate.”

Environment and Climate Change Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “This important research provides more evidence that climate change is having a growing impact on our natural environment and resources – and on our everyday lives.

“The prolonged dry weather in 2018, and again this spring, shows that Scotland is not immune to water scarcity. Events like this will only become more frequent, which is why it is essential that we continue to build on our understanding of climate change effects with research like this. This will help develop our critical adaptation work and support of communities across the country.”

But it’s not just changes in our climate that present potential problems. CREW recently published a study led by Glasgow Caledonian University showing that private water supplies play a vital role in rural economies in Scotland, with many micro- and small businesses relying on them. Reliance on private supplies makes communities in remote areas of rural Scotland potentially less resilient, economically and otherwise.

The report argues that it costs more – directly and indirectly – to access and maintain private supplies and issues with water quality can be detrimental to businesses, further affecting the fragile, interdependent nature of small rural communities.

Whilst tourism is widely regarded as a welcome economic opportunity in rural areas, the sudden rise in water demand, such as along the heavily promoted North Coast 500 tourist route, was recognised as an issue requiring urgent attention. Better regulatory oversight and support and enhanced communication between relevant agencies both locally and nationally is essential so rural businesses and communities can continue to grow.

Prof Bob Ferrier, Director of CREW commented: “Scotland’s climate is changing, and it is important to understand the impacts of that change on our society. Reliance on private water supplies puts users increasingly at risk of both the impacts of climate change and the low resilience to economic impacts.”

Both reports are available for consultation from the CREW website: https://www.crew.ac.uk/publications.

Funded by the Scottish Government, CREW is a partnership between the James Hutton Institute and Scottish higher education and research institutes. For details see www.crew.ac.uk.

Seven easy lifestyle changes to shrink your carbon footprint

Eco-conscious Brits have been offered tips on the most practical ways to reduce household carbon emissions, to help the UK reach a net-zero emissions goal by 2050.

With recent stats revealing that the South-East of England is still the worst offending area for CO2 emissions, throughout the rest of the UK, attention has been shifted to how we are going to reach net-zero carbon emissions in time for 2050.

Both the IPCC and the UK’s Climate Change Committee also highlight the important need to increase efforts in cutting greenhouse gas outputs, to help us reach ‘net-zero’.

From changing light bulbs to unplugging devices, the experts at Utility Bidder have revealed seven easy ways for Brits to reduce their impact on the environment, without making drastic and radical changes.

It’s not just environmental campaigners such as Greta Thunberg who can make a difference, the British public can all help lower carbon emissions by adopting some simple lifestyle changes.

If enough of us make a few minor changes to our daily lives and routines it could dramatically offset Britain’s carbon footprint and ultimately add to making a huge difference for our environment.

As well as reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, the following tips can also help lower Britain’s household costs by using less energy, less water, and less heat.

James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder said: “As the people of the world come out of lockdown thoughts turn to preserving nature and maintaining the air quality we have become accustomed to during the last few months.

“Conversation across the UK is rightly turning to ways in which we can all try to better our environment and ensure we leave a better world for generations to come.

“This prompted Utility Bidder to research the UK’s carbon emissions rates across the UK between 2005 and 2017, and the study found that carbon emissions were slashed by exactly one third.

“All around the UK local authorities and business leaders are taking steps to reduce their carbon emissions and our study confirms that real progress is being made.

“And to help lower the UK’s carbon footprint, we should all be taking responsibility and making changes to our day-to-day lives to lessen the impact. Simply unplugging your devices when they’re not in use and taking shorter showers will add up to make a notable difference in the long run.”

There are many ways to live a lower carbon lifestyle, and every one of them has a real impact on tackling climate change.

Here are some easy tips that Brits can do to save money and shrink their carbon footprint today!

Drive less

This is all about reducing mileage, and cutting driving by a third a year can reduce Brits’ carbon footprint by around 15 per cent.

Using public transport, cycling or walking instead of driving can have a significant impact on your CO2 emissions.

If Brits are looking for a new car, it might be worth considering a more efficient electric vehicle.

Dry clothes naturally

Tumble dryers are easy and quick to use, but consume large amounts of energy. By using clothes horses and hanging clothes up on a washing line, Brits will save just over 4kWh of energy and around 1.8kg CO2 per cycle.

Buy less fast fashion

It can take up to 20,000 litres of water to make just one new t-shirt and one new pair of jeans. That’s more water than the average person drinks in 12 years.

Used clothes, on the other hand, reduce the environmental impact by limiting CO2 emissions and reducing the waste of billions of litres of water that would have been needed to generate new clothes.

Buying clothes from a second-hand shop is much better for the environment.

Take shorter showers

Showers use 2.5 gallons of water per minute, and each gallon uses three ounces of carbon dioxide. So, if Brits shorten showers by 2 minutes a day, they can save 342 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

The more hot water used, the higher the energy and utility bills will be, so using less water can lower energy costs and help the bank balance.

Unplug devices

Sometimes known as vampire energy, electricity is still consumed by appliances and electronics even when they are switched off but still plugged in.

It is best to leave electronics unplugged at all times if possible, but it can be hassle running around turning off microwaves, TVs, etc… so one solution might be to use power strips to group the vampire energy into one switch.

Use energy-saving bulbs

Each low energy light bulb in comparison to a traditional bulb can save 2000 times its weight in carbon dioxide emissions over 5-8 years.

Whilst some can be expensive bulbs they last much longer and will ultimately end up saving money on energy bills, as well as helping reduce carbon emissions.

Wash clothes in colder water

Doing laundry on a cold-water setting can reduce a washing machine’s carbon emissions by a massive 75%!

Using cold water is fine for most clothes and other items that go in the washing machine. It can remove many stains from clothing, including grass on children’s jeans or makeup smudges on a sweater.

For more information on the UK’s carbon emissions and to see an interactive graphic of the regional differences across the UK please click here.

The Green Team shortlisted for Scottish Charity of the Year Award

The Green Team is a finalist for the Scottish Charity of the Year Award, the only environmental charity to make the shortlist in this category. Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

For 25 years the Green Team has been using fun outdoor activities and practical conservation tasks to support young people to connect with nature, others and themselves.

The last year has been one of huge change: improved governance structures and strategy, a new website and brand, and the sourcing and diversification of much-needed income. While all this change was going on, invaluable opportunities were provided for over 1,100 young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians to use nature for education, respite, social development, learning new skills and to take positive action for the environment.

While a judging panel will determine the winner of the Charity of the Year award, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award.

The Green Team is encouraging those in the Edinburgh and Lothians area, and those who are passionate about the environment and youth work, to vote for them for the People’s Choice Award – by visiting https://scvo.org.uk/scottish-charity-awards/finalists-2020/charity-of-the-year/the-green-team – before 5pm on Friday 4 September 2020.

Penny Radway, Chief Executive of The Green Team, said: “We are delighted and thrilled that in the year that the Green Team celebrates 25 years of connecting with young people through environmental action, we are finalists for the Scottish Charity of the Year Award.”

The full list of finalists can be found on the SCA website.

Due to the impact of coronavirus, this year the Awards will run a little differently. Winners will be announced on 25 September (rescheduled from June) and will now take place online so that all finalists and attendees who wish to attend are still able to join the celebrations in a safe way, regardless of lockdown phase or shielding status.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “Much of the work celebrated this year predates the pandemic. All aspects of our lives have been disrupted in 2020. Our communities and the charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises they rely on have been under enormous pressure.

“Scotland’s voluntary sector has never been more needed and will be essential to Scotland’s recovery. At SCVO we know that fantastic work is going on all the time and we are delighted to celebrate these achievements and successes through the Scottish Charity Awards.

“This year’s shortlist of 45 finalists showcases just how diverse our voluntary sector is, and highlights, the fantastic work that has been going on across the country since the last Awards until March this year. The Awards are a great way of celebrating and recognising the people and organisations who make our voluntary sector a crucial part of every part of life in Scotland.

“Our finalists are fantastic, and I would encourage everyone to support their favourite by voting in the People’s Choice Award.”

East Craigs to become capital’s first Low Traffic Neighbourhood

Edinburgh’s first Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) is to be introduced as part of Spaces for People improvements.

The city council will be implementing a series of temporary measures in the East Craigs area of the city over the coming weeks to help people walk, cycle and wheel safely, including segregated cycle lanes, closing roads to ‘through’ traffic and a bus gate. These interventions will add to temporary measures put in place across the city since May to support safe physical distancing.

LTNs reduce the impact of motor traffic on neighbourhoods, creating people-friendly spaces and encouraging physical activity by limiting through traffic on designated streets, while maintaining local access.

Recent feedback to consultation on the West Edinburgh Link (WEL) project demonstrated strong support for proposals to improve conditions for walking and cycling, enhance public spaces and facilitate sustainable transport.

Suggestions to make it easier and safer to travel by foot, bike or wheelchair received via the Commonplace online tool also influenced council plans for an LTN, along with the local school’s travel plan and traffic surveys of vehicle volumes and speeds in the area.

Once implemented, the council monitor the effects of the LTN, making amendments if appropriate, and will be engaging with the community to help shape the scheme. Any plans for a permanent LTN, as part of WEL, would draw from this, though further, significant consultation with residents would be carried out before any decisions are made.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We’ve been working hard to introduce a package of measures across the city that will make it easier and safer to get around, to spend time in local high streets and to return to school as restrictions are lifted.

Many of these changes respond to feedback from the community, and in East Craigs we know that local people want to see conditions for walking, cycling and travel by public transport improved. The range of interventions we’ll be implementing will create safe, people-friendly streets by reducing speeding and opportunities for rat running. Vehicle access will of course be maintained for residents.

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “These temporary measures are supported by previous research and feedback and will benefit the community as they return to work and school.

“We’ll be closely monitoring their impact and drawing from this as we work to develop a long-term LTN for the area, as part of WEL. Of course, there will be further consultation with the community before any decisions on permanent schemes are made.”

The key changes being introduced as part of the LTN in East Craigs include:

Introduction of segregated cycleways along Drum Brae North
Introduction of advisory cycle lanes on part of Drum Brae South
Improvements to junctions in East Craigs to make them safer for cyclists and pedestrians
Introduction of a bus gate on Craigs Road
Introduction of six road closures, with filtered permeability for bicycles and pedestrians, in the East Craigs area including: North Gyle Terrace, North Gyle Road, Craigs Gardens, Craigs Loan and Craigmount Avenue North

Emergency measures to support walking, cycling and wheeling while observing physical distancing have already been implemented across Edinburgh. These include segregated cycle lanes, widened pavements and road closures both in the city centre, on routes to parks and green spaces and in local shopping streets. We’re also introducing improvements around schools as pupils return.

Examples of LTNs introduced elsewhere have seen traffic levels, and often speeds, fall. Walking, wheeling and cycling has also been found to increase, while it has been observed that stopping through traffic on side streets doesn’t significantly add to congestion on main roads.

Find out more about Spaces for People on the Council website.

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative to launch share offer

The installation of nearly 1MW of solar panels on at least six buildings in Edinburgh is planned by Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) as they return for Phase 2 in their quest to make Edinburgh a cleaner and greener city.

To do this ECSC proposes to raise up to £660,000 by the issue of £1 shares. The minimum investment will be £100 and priority will be given to local residents who reside in the EH postcode districts.

In 2015 ECSC successfully launched their first share offer which resulted in over £1.4 million being raised that funded the installation of nearly 1.4MW of solar power on 24 buildings owned by City of Edinburgh Council.

Today ECSC continues to generate solar power from these buildings and members receive share interest on their investment as projected with all surplus profits allocated to the Community Benefit Fund which came into operation in 2018.

Speaking of the imminent launch of the share offer, Lesley Hinds, Chair of ECSC said “ECSC is an ethical, community-based, social enterprise. We came together with a plan to help reduce carbon emissions, address Fuel Poverty and make renewable energy more commonplace in our city.

“We especially welcome smaller amounts, as we would like as many people to join ECSC as possible, which is why the minimum investment is as low as we can make it.

“Parents and grandparents can also apply for shares in ECSC for their children and grandchildren or can apply for shares on their behalf and leave them in their will”. Shares in ECSC are understood to be exempt from inheritance tax under present rules.

The share offer will be launched in Summer 2020 and you can register your interest at www.edinburgh.coop/register.

ECSC also has the option to install on 4 other Sites should grid connections and roof surveys permit later in the year.

Council to commit £ millions to ‘Green Corridor’

A multi-million-pound scheme to ‘transform walking and cycling connections’ between Dalry and Fountainbridge will take a big step foward if plans are approved this week.

The city council’s Roseburn to Union Canal Active Travel Route and Greenspace Improvement project aims to fill a ‘missing link’ in the walking and cycling network by connecting Roseburn path to Fountainbridge via a new off-road cycleway and pedestrian paths.

The associated benefits of this, alongside substantial enhancements to surrounding woodland, to the environment and also by encouraging travel choices, is set to contribute to our carbon neutral goals.

The council wants to create a ‘green corridor’ by planting nearly 5000 trees along the route, contributing to Edinburgh’s target of becoming a ‘Million Tree City’ by 2030.

As part of this they’ll be revamping open spaces along the route which are currently unusable or inaccessible for the use of the community and revitalising Dalry Community Park too.

On Thursday (6 August) members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee will consider the latest designs, which have been refined in response to feedback received during consultation with local residents, and proposals to begin enabling works to progress the project.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: This is an extremely exciting project which will deliver real benefits to the local community, and anyone travelling by foot or bike in the area, by providing an essential link in our walking and cycling network.

“Our plans to plant almost 5000 trees will have a significant impact, not only on the area’s amenity but by encouraging wildlife diversity, providing educational opportunities for local children and reducing the city’s carbon footprint as part of our wider tree-planting strategy.”

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Karen Doran said: “This project will breathe new life into these underused spots, which have the potential to become a haven for wildlife and a relaxing environment for residents and visitors.

“By both encouraging walking, cycling and wheeling and planting thousands of trees in the area, it’s helping drive us towards our carbon neutral goal.”

Proposals include:

Active travel route: Our proposed creation of a shared-use pedestrian and cycle path, including new bridge crossings over the Mid-Calder railway line and Dalry Road, would connect the North Edinburgh Path Network to Fountainbridge, where onwards travel to the Union Canal will be provided via a separate active travel project currently under development.

Green corridor: We are planning to overhaul existing areas alongside the route, including spaces adjacent to Russell Road/Sauchiebank and West Approach Road/Duff Street Lane, which have fallen into disuse. Our enabling works will result in the loss of some trees, though almost 60% of these are of low or extremely poor quality, and we’ve developed a long-term strategy for creating and managing a healthy and diverse tree population.

As part of this, we are proposing the planting of 4,795 woodland and semi-mature trees across the site, with landscaping and ecological issues managed to ensure the project results in a higher quality, more varied and better maintained woodland. As well as encouraging wildlife, the improved woodland will provide better access for amenity and education, including its potential use by Dalry Primary School for ‘forest schools’.

Dalry Community Park improvements: Redesigning the park to renew the existing playpark with equipment for all ages, resurfacing the sports pitch, installing lighting seating and wayfinding, improving landscaping and creating shared-use paths and better access points.

The latest project designs build on our consultation with the local community in 2015/16, when 95% of respondents expressed their support for the measures, and subsequent engagement carried out in 2019.

Amongst the changes we’ve made to the initial proposals as a result of feedback are the development of a tree protection strategy, improved access points and the increase of path widths to 4m, providing additional space for both pedestrians and cyclists.

If approved, enabling works are expected to start in September and will comprise of site clearance, ground investigation and excavations.

Alongside this a protected species/habitat survey will be carried out, and we will be working with contractors to explore ways of minimising the loss of trees as a result of the project.

Read the full report, Roseburn to Union Canal Active Travel Route and Greenspace Improvement.

Sign up for garden waste collection

The current garden waste service year ends on 8 November. Registration opens from 10am this Thursday (30th July).

Registration opens for garden waste on 30 July and the cost remains at £25 per bin
Residents need to sign up by 9 September to continue to use the service
We’re extending the current service year until 8 November to make up for collections being temporarily suspended due to coronavirus

To continue to receive collections in the next service year which runs until 7 November 2021, residents need to renew their permit or sign up for one by 2pm on 9 September.

The current service year for fortnightly brown bin collections was due to end on 4 October but we’re extending current permits to make up for the service being temporarily suspended in springtime due to coronavirus. The current health pandemic also means that we’re encouraging residents to register online and we’ve made this easier by making the MyGov sign in optional.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “I’m sure that like me you’ll be delighted to hear that since last October, garden waste customers have helped us turn nearly 10,000 tonnes of garden waste into compost, which is used on farms, gardens and green spaces, so I’m pleased to see the service up and running with the chance for people to renew their permits and continue this in the future.

“We need to charge for collection though as our costs are increasing, and more people are using our services, whilst our income is reducing. The £25 per year charge was agreed by the Council at a meeting in February 2018 and raised £1.8 million towards the cost of providing the service last year.

“We’ve made a decision to keep our charge at £25 per bin. This is one of the lowest annual fees in Scotland among local authorities operating a similar service and works out at just under 50 pence a week.

If you’d like your garden waste picked up during our next service year – which starts in November – please make sure you sign up or renew your permit by 2pm on 9 September. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to continue collecting your bin every fortnight after November when the next service year starts unless you’re signed up.”

Emails and letters are being sent to all 70,900 current subscribers to the service advising them on how to renew their permits so look out for those dropping into your inbox from 30 July.

About the service

Permits cost £25 per brown bin. A one-off payment of £25 will be taken by debit or credit card, unless you’re exempt from paying because you receive Council Tax Reduction.
The deadline to register is 2pm on 9 September and the quickest and easiest way to do this is on our website.
You can also register and pay over the phone by calling 0131 357 2800. Please note we expect phone lines to be busy and there may be long waiting times. Phonelines are open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 3.40pm Friday. Please note we don’t accept cash or cheques.
The deadline to register is 2pm on 9 September and the quickest and easiest way to do this is on our website.
The next service year will run from 9 November 2020 – 7 November 2021.
Brown bins will be emptied once every two weeks, except over the festive period when there will be no collections between 14 December 2020 and 10 January 2021
There will be another opportunity to sign up to the new service year, but the payment will remain at £25 and permits will be valid until 7 November 2021.
Once we’ve received your payment, we’ll send you a new garden waste calendar and a permit sticker between 23 October and 4 November to put on your brown bin before the new service year starts. We can only empty bins with valid permit stickers.

Exemptions

Further information about the service is available on the city council website, Including details about alternative ways to pay, exemptions, how to pay on behalf of someone else and terms and conditions.

Green recovery is ‘only way forward for Edinburgh’

Edinburgh Talks Climate consultation opens on Monday

Edinburgh City Centre View

A new business plan will incorporate plans for a green recovery and achieving the Council’s net zero carbon by 2030 ambition, according to a report considered by Policy and Sustainability Committee.

The recommendations were made in response to the Edinburgh Climate Commission’s report Faster Forward Together, which was published earlier this month and presented to the Committee on 9 July.

The report also recommended that a positive effect on city carbon targets should be considered when making any public stimulus and investment decisions and that existing projects that do so are accelerated to reflect the urgency and scale of the current climate crisis. This includes projects like the regeneration of Granton waterfront, the extension of the tram to Newhaven and establishing a Low Emission Zone, among others.

A major public engagement, Edinburgh Talks Climate, is set to commence on Monday (27 July) having been delayed from earlier this year due to the pandemic.

The website, www.edinburghtalksclimate.dialogue-app.com, invites Edinburgh residents to take part in the conversation around the urgent action that is needed to tackle climate changes.

The engagement will be conducted via various ‘challenges’ where participants can submit and vote on solutions, as well as watch informational videos to help them do their bit in different parts of their own lives.

This is part of the Council’s wider plan to take learnings from the pandemic and effectively implement any resulting change within its Adaptation and Renewal Programme, as well as ensuring that the activity implemented is aligned to the 2050 Edinburgh City Vision principles of creating a welcoming, thriving, fair and pioneering city.

Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “Edinburgh is facing a dual crisis right now and both need urgent action: our recovery from the pandemic is coupled with the global climate emergency.

“As we adapt to the circumstances brought about by COVID-19, we can also start building a city for the future. Tackling climate change must be front of mind in this process and we have to take every step we can to ensure that our recovery is a green one.

“Edinburgh belongs to its residents and we welcome their views on how we can positively effect climate change within our city. I would encourage everyone to take part in the Edinburgh Talks Climate engagement and make sure their voices are heard throughout our recovery.”

Cammy Day, Depute Leader, said: “It’s clear that if we are to build an Edinburgh for the future and achieve our 2050 City Vision, then a green recovery is our only option.

“We have to make sure our plans, decisions and actions both in the short- and long-term serve this ambition and Edinburgh Talks Climate is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in how we tackle climate change within our city and the actions that we take as part of Edinburgh’s adaptation and renewal to the situation.”

SEPA cracks down on illegal dumpers advertising on social media

SEPA enforcement team targets criminals and chancers using social media to sell illegal waste services
Regulator reminds waste companies that compliance with the law is non-negotiable
Illegal operators contributing to fly-tipping and other illegal waste activity
Public are reminded – don’t engage the services of people who are not authorised

Chancers advertising illegal waste collections on social media sites are being targeted by Scotland’s environmental regulator in a new digital clampdown.

Household recycling centres are now open but many have restrictions in place – and people may still have bulky items and excess waste that cannot be transported. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning those trying to make a quick buck from the current situation by operating illegally that they are firmly in the spotlight, and that direct warnings would be sent to those not registered with SEPA placing adverts – with fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance.

SEPA’s specialist enforcement team has been working alongside partners Police Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland and local authorities throughout the lockdown period to tackle waste crime across Scotland.

These specialist officers are monitoring sites like Facebook and Gumtree to catch waste criminals as part of a wider effort to deter illegal activity across the waste management chain. SEPA is very clear that those who deliberately flout the rules will face the uncompromising regulator their behaviour deserves.

Jennifer Shearer, Head of Enforcement at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “We know that illegal activity places further stress on legitimate operators – especially where services are being pushed through social media and other channels.

“Through our monitoring of social media we’ve unfortunately seen a number of instances of couriers and so-called white van men taking the opportunity to offer an unauthorised waste collection service and then often dumping in public spaces or remote parts of countryside – creating an unsafe environmental hazard and an eyesore for the local community.

“Having witnessed an increase in adverts of this kind in recent months, our digital disruption is designed to take those operating illegally, out of the market.”

Where enforcement officers identify that adverts and messages are being distributed by carriers not registered with SEPA, they will make contact to warn them that they are operating illegally. If they do not apply for a registration or stop activities, SEPA will take enforcement action which could see them subjected to fines or criminal prosecution.

There is also an important role for the public, with a warning that the use of unlicensed waste collectors could result in waste contributing to fly-tipping and other illegal activity.

“Don’t engage the services of people who are not authorised,” Shearer explains. “Remember, services that sound too good to be true often are, and could lead to your waste being illegally fly-tipped or disposed of by other illegitimate means.

“Anyone offering to take your waste away should be able to provide a waste carrier registration number and tell you the named facility they will take the waste to – if they can’t provide this information, don’t allow them to take your waste.

“Now more than ever, Scots are recognising the importance of local services like recycling and the part we all play in correctly managing our waste. You have the responsibility to take care of your waste and if we trace it back to you we can take enforcement action against you too. We don’t want people to be put in that situation so make sure that anyone who takes your waste for disposal is properly accredited.”

Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, added: “We owe a massive thank you to all those in the waste industry who are working hard to keep services running in challenging circumstances. Illegal activities such as flytipping adds to the burden of those who continue to deliver essential services.

“SEPA has a vital role in regulating and monitoring waste carrier services and I welcome the proactive approach they are taking to target unregistered waste businesses. It is vital that individuals take responsibility for checking that the waste carrier they use is registered and will dispose of waste correctly.”

Visiting the new website – managingourwaste.scot – from SEPA, Zero Waste Scotland and partners, you will find updates and advice on how to manage waste. As part of Scotland’s campaign to help manage waste during current restrictions the site also explains how you can help to tackle fly-tipping. SEPA is also offering support to help those managing our waste operate against the challenges of coronavirus.

Top 3 Do’s and Don’ts of Household Waste Disposal

DO use common sense. If you are approached out of the blue with an offer to dispose of your waste so quickly and cheaply is sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
DON’T entrust your waste with someone if they are unable to tell you basic information like their waste carrier registration number and the named site they are taking the waste to.
DO take responsibility for who you give waste to – if we trace illegally disposed of waste back to you then you could be liable for enforcement action too.