Comrie to zoom in on zero waste

Nov 20 2009 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

WITH Comrie’s Zero Waste Fortnight now in full swing locals are being encouraged to support a number of events being held over the weekend in conjunction with the scheme.

On Saturday, November 21 between 10am and 12noon, a sale of recycled bikes, through a joint initiative between Perth & Kinross Council and The Bike Station, will be held at Comrie Croft.

A qualified mechanic from The Bike Station will be in attendance and run a Dr Bike session to service bicycles and encourage people to get back in the saddle. Minor problems can be fixed on the spot, more major ones can be diagnosed and a bike ‘MOT’ provided.

Throughout the campaign which runs until November 26, unwanted and old bikes, regardless of condition, can be donated at The Comrie Croft for refurbishment and reuse, either by The Bike Station or by The Croft. The Bike Station bike sale will offer children’s bikes, and The Croft will have ex-hire cycles for adults available to buy.

On Saturday afternoon, between 12noon to 2pm, villagers can attend a composting event at Cultybraggan.

As well as pick up some free advice on composting at home or as a community, visitors will also be able to acquire a limited amount of free compost. All they should do is bring along a bag and a spade.

Free transport is being offered on the CoCo Bus, which will run from 11.45am from Melville Square until 2pm when it will do its final run back to the village.

On Sunday, November 22 locals are being encouraged to join in with a litter pick along the village’s riverside and paths.

Council staff will be at the Field of Refuge car park at Dalginross Bridge in Comrie at 10am with gloves, litter picks, bags and high visibility jackets available for litter pickers to borrow.

Conditions underfoot are likely to be damp and muddy so anyone wanting to help out and enjoy a morning stroll along the river is advised to wrap up warm and wear wellies or other suitable shoes.

And next week all the pupils at Comrie Primary School will be visiting the Webwalk at Friarton Recycling Centre during to learn more about waste and recycling.

The Zero Waste Fortnight is being run by the Comrie Development Trust and supported by Perth & Kinross Council, encouraging householders to divert waste from landfill by reducing, reusing and recycling as much of their household rubbish as possible.Information on all the events being held throughout the Fortnight can be found at the CDT office, Comrie Library and online at www.pkc.gov.uk/comriezerowaste.