Bin hub ‘noise dampening’ system to be investigated

The hubs have led to a fall in overflowing bin reports but soaring complaints over noise from nearby residents

A ‘noise dampening system’ for Edinburgh’s controversial bin hubs is to be investigated by the council to reduce nuisance to residents. 
The communal hubs which group recycling and waste bins together have been installed outside the capital’s tenement blocks to improve refuse collections. 
Despite an 85 per cent drop in the number of overflowing bin reports since the roll-out began just over two years ago, the council has been swamped with noise complaints.
Often sited close to properties for convenience, glass recycling facilities have been branded “unbearable” and “detrimental” while issues have been raised about the sound of black bin lids shutting when bags are deposited. 
Now options to install a noise ‘dampening’ mechanism in the hubs to reduce noise disturbances are to be investigated, after councillors called for action to be taken at a meeting on Thursday, March 21. 
It comes after they agreed to look into ‘interventions to mitigate against the noise generated by glass recycling bins and ‘noise mitigations for all bin lids’ last month. 
Officials have also been asked to explore options to strengthen bin lids – many of which are said to have broken off, causing rubbish to be blown away or scattered by seagulls. 
Councillor Stuart Dobin, SNP, who dubbed the situation “lidgate”, said: “One of the most frequent complaints from residents living or sleeping in close proximity to a bin hub is the persistent and continual noise of the lids of the black bins falling after use. Residents find it very disturbing. 
“I’m aware of some residents who have moved their primary bedroom and indeed their living room away from the front of their flat.”
Lib Dem councillor Jack Caldwell called for a “fairer roll-out”. 
He said: “ Our street cleansing teams are very responsive, proactive and hard-working when litter does become a problem in our streets. 
“We’ve also got to recognise that in Edinburgh we’re battling against the elements – and we’re battling against seagulls when it comes to bin lids being broken. 
“Although that sounds trivial, when you think about the sheer quantity of communal bin hubs that have been rolled out over the last year and a bit, we need to recognise the detrimental knock-on effect this could have not just for people’s well-being in spaces but for public health as well.”
Meanwhile, a petition to ‘stop Edinburgh Council’s detrimental bin hubs project’ has now gathered over 1,600 signatures. 
Petitioner, Bob McKinney, wrote: “The noise from glass recycling, just feet away from homes, is unbearable. Six bins cover the front of properties and rubbish collects outside of bins. To add insult to injury, we’re losing precious car parking spaces.
“The detrimental impact on many people across Edinburgh cannot be ignored any longer. We need your help to unwind this project and find a more suitable solution that respects both our environment and our citizens’ quality of life.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter