Mid and East Antrim residents to pilot triple bin system

A sample of residents across the borough will be able to test the system and take part in a workshop ahead of any future roll-out.

The borough council,  which is reviewing its waste collection policy, has applied to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for £4.2m funding  in a bid to introduce a uniform waste collection system and reduce landfill costs.

Concern has been expressed in the community over the capacity of the triple stack system which is expected to replace blue bins in Larne and kerbside boxes in Carrickfergus and Ballymena.

An online petition opposing the replacement of the existing blue and black domestic bins in Larne has been signed by 1,486 people.

The plan is also for existing black bins with a 240 litre capacity to be replaced with 180 litre bins. These and brown bins will continue to be lifted every two weeks.

The triple stack boxes which hold 165 litres will be emptied weekly. The blue bins will be removed.

DAERA has already proposed that councils should reduce black bin waste.

The council’s director of Operations, Philip Thompson, told a meeting of local authority’s Direct Services Committee the Department wants an environmental impact assessment to be carried out.

It is understood some new bins will be rolled out in Ballymena and Carrickfergus first with workshops to get feedback from users.

Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Danny Donnelly, who is trialling a triple stack bin at home, said it was “easy to use”.

He welcomed the idea of a workshop and trial scheme to be held in Larne.

“It would be a good way of making it a bit more popular in the town,” he added.

Carrickfergus Ulster Unionist Cllr Robin Stewart, who is also trialling a triple stack bin, commented that he was “absolutely delighted” with the “excellent” new system.

“The neighbours are very jealous,” he joked.

“I am glad to see we are planning to test it out in Larne as well.”

Read previous triple stack bin story here

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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