Edinburgh’s Bin Battle: What’s Really Behind the New Town Waste Debate?

acropolisdiary.com

Good morning,

A major urban policy debate is quietly but passionately unfolding in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic New Town. The issue? How best to manage household waste in one of the city's most beautiful—but tightly packed—neighbourhoods.

With Edinburgh City Council’s public consultation closing yesterday (April 4), here’s everything you need to know about the proposed changes, what's at stake, and how residents can still make their voices heard.

What’s Happening?

Over the last two years, several New Town streets have trialled the use of gull-proof sacks—durable canvas bags that households store indoors and set out for collection. These are being considered as an alternative to communal bin hubs, which currently serve most city centre residents.

Now, the council is proposing a significant expansion of the sack system based on the pilot’s results. That proposal has sparked a heated split among residents and local leaders.

Why the Change?

According to the council, the trial delivered some impressive results:

• Recycling rates increased by over 250% in pilot areas.

• Reduced incidents of fly-tipping, overflowing bins, and graffiti.

• A noticeable improvement in street cleanliness and fewer complaints about seagull scavenging.

• The sack system helped preserve the visual integrity of the UNESCO-listed New Town architecture.

Council officials argue that continuing with bin hubs in historic zones risks cluttering pavements, harming local aesthetics, and limiting recycling.

The Opposition Speaks

Not everyone is convinced. A growing group of residents argue that the gull-proof sacks present serious challenges:

• Hygiene concerns: Families with children or pets worry about storing rubbish indoors for days.

• Accessibility issues: Elderly or disabled residents may find it hard to manage the sacks.

• Lack of space: Many tenements don’t have adequate storage, leading to overflowing hallways and shared spaces.

• Practicality: Bad weather, inconsistent collection, and missed pickups are concerns for those trialling the system.

Some residents say the system feels like a step backward—while others welcome the return to a cleaner, quieter streetscape.

Where Does the Council Stand?

The City of Edinburgh Council says it’s still weighing the options. The online consultation, launched in February, closes today. All feedback will be analysed, and a decision on the next phase is expected by early summer 2025.

This is part of a wider strategic rethink on waste and recycling infrastructure across Edinburgh, especially in high-density and heritage areas.

 What Do You Think?

Do gull-proof sacks help preserve the character of New Town, or are they an inconvenient solution to a modern urban problem? We’d love to hear your views—email us at [your email] or join the conversation on our social channels.

Stay tuned—we’ll publish updates on this topic and the final council decision as it unfolds.

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