A PILOT project to replace metal bins with new green wheeled bins in Anniesland flats has proven so successful already it is to be rolled out across the city.

A number of properties on Great Western Road, Anniesland Road and Bearsden Road, were selected for the project and had the old metal bins, which are currently used for general waste, replaced with new 240 litre green wheeled bins.

A total of 234 new refuse disposal units were being delivered to the 40 properties taking part in the pilot scheme.

The north-west Glasgow homes currently receive a weekly refuse collection, however, all those taking part in the project will see this change to a fortnightly pick-up. Food collections will remain weekly.

The blue bins will also continue to be collected fortnightly and will be emptied on alternate weeks from the green bins.

Councillor Paul Carey, chair of the sustainability and environment policy development committee, helped deliver the new bins – and found out for himself the daily challenges refuse collectors face. He said he then persuaded Glasgow City Council to make the change for the whole city.

He said: “As a local councillor I wanted to go out with the crews to help deliver these new bins.

“The crew had more than 300 new wheeled bins to build and deliver. Aside from the fact it turned out to be the rainiest day of the year, the whole experience was an eye-opener.

“Getting access to the back court areas was one of the most frustrating things for me. I appreciate these guys are used to working in all kinds of weather conditions, but have to admit, I had my moments.”

He added: “Bin types vary across the city depending on the type of property and the council is addressing bin provision across the city as part of the ongoing recycling improvements.

“With residents’ support, this pilot will improve refuse and recycling containment within the back court areas.”

He added: “When we first came up with the idea of the pilot project and, following me doing a 12-hour shift with cleansing, it is quite clear that these metal bins were not fit for purpose for my constituents. After putting a strong case forward to the administration, I am delighted to see that they have accepted my argument about replacing the metal bins throughout the whole of the city.

"I am delighted to see that the SNP have come on board to give this project cross-party support.”