Comrie given zero waste challenge

Nov 13 2009 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

TODAY (Thursday) sees the launch of Comrie’s Zero Waste Fortnight. Jointly organised by Comrie Development Trust and Perth & Kinross Council, the campaign aims to reduce the amount of waste generated in the village by challenging the community to put as little as possible in their rubbish bins. Instead they are being encouraged to recycle and re-use items where possible in a bid to increase Comrie’s recycling rate towards 70%.

As an incentive, for every tonne of waste the community diverts from landfill, PKC will be donating £62 (the cost of sending one tonne of waste to landfill) to Comrie Primary School.

To support the village in their efforts, there will be a series of promotional events.

Monday, November 16, 7.30pm - 9pm, WRI Hall - talk from Waste Reduction Advisor Alison McKinnie.

Tuesday, November 17, 1pm - 3pm, Comrie Parish Church - Perth & Kinross Real Nappy Network Nappuccino. A demonstration on how easy modern real nappies are to use, as well the chance to meet other real nappy users.

There will also be the opportunity to bring, sell or donate babies’ and toddlers’ toys, clothes and equipment. If you’d like to donate items or have a stall at the event, e-mail nappies@pkc.gov.uk.

Wednesday, November 18, 10am - noon, and Saturday, November 21, noon - 2pm, Cultybraggan, composting events. Residents will be able to access a limited supply of free compost (bring your own bags); attend a composting talk and receive home composting tips; see the Comrie in Colour wormery and take a tour of the allotments.

The Co Co Bus will be in operation from Melville Square between 9.45am - 12.15pm (Wed) and 11.45am – 2.15pm (Sat).

Saturday, November 21, 10am - noon, Comrie Croft, refurbished bike sale in partnership with The Bike Station. If you have a bike that you no longer want and would like to donate it (in any condition), drop it off at Comrie Croft. Or, if you have a bike which requires minor repairs, you can take it along on the day to be fixed by The Bike Station’s Dr Bike.

Bikes that are suitable for sale will contribute to the work of Comrie Croft and The Bike Station. All bikes that are not suitable for resale will be refurbished or used for spare parts.

Sunday, November 22, 10am - noon, litter pick along the riverside and local paths. Organised by Perth & Kinross Council and supported by First Response. Local volunteers are encouraged to come along. All safety and litter picking equipment will be provided. Meet in the Field of Refuge car park.

The finale to the Fortnight will be a Zero Waste and Climate Change themed talk at the WRI Hall on Thursday, November 26 at 7pm. Iain Gulland (WRAP Scotland Director) and Graeme Dailly (PKC Waste Plan Co-ordinator) will be the speakers. Residents are encouraged to attend to have their waste / climate change related questions answered. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served.