On-the-go recycling bins and an art installation have appeared in Edinburgh City Centre as part of a recycling initiative. The #InTheLoop campaign is a five-month trial that encourages people passing through the city centre to recycle plastic bottles, cans and coffee cups.
In the UK around 5.5 billion plastic bottles, 2.7 billion drinks cans and 2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away every year. Local partners including Changeworks, City of Edinburgh Council and Scotwaste are supporting the initiative.
Scottish artists Sam Cornwell and Cody Lukas have created an ‘innovative’ art installation to highlight the value of the wasted materials. The artwork will use solar panels to glow up at night in St. Andrew Square.
Alex Robinson, managing director at Hubbub, said: “For the first time, the people of Edinburgh will be able to recycle whilst on the move. The impact our pilot campaign had on the city of Leeds far surpassed our expectations and with the support of the local community, we hope Edinburgh will do the same.
“We’re urging people working, living or visiting Edinburgh New Town to use the new-look bins and help us ensure that as much valuable packaging is recycled as possible. We also look forward to launching coffee cup recycling facilities in the city in the near future.”
In 2018 Hubbub launched the inaugural on-the-go recycling scheme in Leeds, which resulted in on-the-go recycling rates improving from 17% to 32% in six months. The success of this campaign has sparked interest from around the UK with Swansea and Edinburgh hosting similar schemes.
Sam Mills, head of projects from Changeworks, added: “We’re excited to be working with Hubbub to deliver this campaign, combining their creativity and our 30 years’ experience in delivering local solutions for low carbon living across Scotland.
“Disposing of packaging on the go can be really challenging. These new recycling bins will make this much easier across the city centre, and we’re excited to see just how much waste we can keep from being thrown away.”