South Ayrshire Council has become one of the first local authorities in Scotland to be awarded funding from the Recycling Improvement Fund.

The council has been granted £90,000 from Zero Waste Scotland, as part of the Scottish Government scheme.

The funding will make a real difference to recycling options on the go in the area. It will be used to introduce ‘recycling-on-the go bins’ to parks and green spaces, making it easier for residents and visitors to recycle their waste when they’re out and about.

As part of a commitment to make South Ayrshire a better place to live, in recent years the council have made a number of significant changes to improve the recycling service on offer.

The rollout of the new bins will begin in the spring in high footfall areas such as Rozelle and Belleisle Estates, the Low Green and Pavilion play area at Ayr beach, and Fullarton Woods in Troon.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been awarded this funding.

“We want to make sure that residents have more opportunities than ever to recycle their waste, regardless if they are at home or out enjoying the beautiful scenery South Ayrshire has to offer.

“We’re committed to making South Ayrshire a better place to live, and this funding is another step towards achieving our recycling target of 70 per cent by 2025.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said: “Congratulations to South Ayrshire Council on being among the first councils to be awarded funding from the new Recycling Improvement Fund.

“The bid, which will see recycling-on-the go bins introduced to help the public recycle when they’re out and about, was really strong, and is a great example of the innovative thinking we need to boost recycling and move towards a more circular economy in Scotland.”