THE pilot project to install street bin hubs in Glasgow is to be extended with more units replacing backcourt bins.

So far, almost 100 hubs have been put out, which the council said has improved recycling performance.

It has been agreed that another 75 will be put in place on streets in Pollokshields, Haghill and Finnieston.

The hubs are intended to remove the need for cleansing staff to drag heavy bins through back closes.

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In the first phase, 98 hubs were installed serving around 2,400 homes.

A council report states: “The new hubs are providing a more effective and efficient collection service and the quality of the material collected within the fibre and container bins is better than the current dry mixed recycling service within the blue bins.

“Participation within the food waste collection service remains challenging, and additional communications and a survey of residents will be undertaken in 2024.”

New hubs are expected to be delivered by the end of March and put in place soon after.

Extending the hubs even further across the city is also under consideration and the councillor in charge is keen for that to happen.

However, the report states: “No decisions have been made and all impacted residents and elected members will be briefed prior to any additional installation.”

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, City Convener for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We said at the start of the pilot we thought bin hubs offered us a chance to create a more efficient, effective service that works for residents as well as the environment.

“I’m very encouraged by what I’ve seen so far and the positive feedback from the areas where the bin hubs are being piloted is something we want to build on by expanding these trials.

“The new approach stems from safety concerns for staff moving heavy bins through cramped and awkward stairwells or along difficult back lanes.”

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As well as improving conditions for staff creating conditions to increase the city’s recycling record was a key factor in introducing the hubs.

Councillor Kelly added: “Improving recycling has always been a major focus of the project and in some places we are seeing up to a six-fold increase in quality recyclate.

“The recycling rate from flatted properties has been a tough nut to crack for a very long time.

“But we have initial grounds to be confident that bin hubs can make a long-term difference to recycling in Glasgow.

“I have had requests from all over the city for areas to be next on the list and if the pilots continue to show such positive results we will look to roll this out further in the coming months and years.”