Privatisation of bin collections is being rushed through

Friends of the Earth Scotland is calling on Edinburgh councillors to demand clear answers on key questions about the environmental impacts of the possible privatisations.

The call comes ahead of Edinburgh Council’s crucial vote on the future of its environmental services on Thursday 27 October, which could mean privatising bin collections and street cleaning.

Stan Blackley, Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “There are still far too many questions unanswered while Edinburgh Council is rushing to take a decision that may have massive implications for recycling rates and reducing waste.

“We don’t know whether and how private contractors will be obliged to implement the council’s duty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Climate Change Act, and we fear that privatisation of key services mean that these obligations are being sidestepped.

“Serious concerns have also been raised by the unions, and in the absence of clear answers, the decision should be delayed to allow time for a full consultation and a proper environmental assessment.”

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact: Per Fischer, Press Office, Friends of the Earth Scotland t: 0131 243 2719

Notes to Editors

1. BBC News: Edinburgh Council bin services could be privatised
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-15399482

2. Friends of the Earth Scotland is * Scotland’s leading environmental campaigning organisation * An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland * Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 77 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups – covering every continent.
www.foe-scotland.org.uk