New bins made easy

Orkney Islands Council is making it easier for households to replace their damaged bins, with the introduction of a ‘QR code’ which takes householders straight to an online order form.

The QR code now features on the red tags which are attached by waste crews when they spot a bin with a defect.

The tag can be easily scanned by most smartphones and takes householders to the online bin reordering process on the MyOrkney website. It also shows why the bin has been tagged – due to problems with lid, wheels or a split.

Damaged bins, including stiff wheels and splits, are a health and safety and repetitive injury risk for crews as well as a vermin risk. The Council is therefore keen to make it as simple as possible to alert folk to defects and support them to arrange a replacement.

There’s no charge at present for householders to arrange replacements for damaged bins.

Lorna Richardson, Interim Head of Neighbourhood Services for the Council, explains more: “It’s really important for everyone’s safety that people replace their faulty bins.

“If you spot damage yourself - splits, stress marks, or uncooperative wheels - or your bin is tagged, don’t delay in arranging a replacement. Responding quickly gives you the best chance of having a replacement bin in time for your next collection.

“If your bin is tagged, please don’t put it out for collection, and don’t throw away the tag – arrange a replacement bin straight away, either by using the QR code or another contact method, letting us know the reason indicated by crews on the tag.”

You can help prolong the life of your bin and reduce the risk of injury to our crews by:

• Avoiding overstuffing your bin.
• Being aware that dense or high liquid waste such as ash, food waste and disposable nappies can quickly add up to a dangerously heavy bin.
• Resisting the urge to weigh down the lid – it’s a repetitive lifting issue for our crews, and it’s no good for your bin.
• Checking the wheels roll freely – and applying WD40 every now and then to keep them in good nick.
• Checking for splits and white-ish stress marks (especially at lid hinges).
• Replacing your bin if it’s damaged.