14k garden bins delivered in Derry and Strabane

The initiative followed a very successful pilot scheme that took place last year across the Council area, and additional funding secured from DAERA Kerbside Recycling Transformation Programme allowed a further roll out.

The Garden Waste Recycling Scheme allows the public to dispose of all of their green waste, which includes leaves, grass, weeds, dead plants, cold ashes, twigs, small branches and flowers. Materials including rubble, plant pots and plastic food packaging are not suitable for disposal in the bins.

Homes who have yet received their garden waste bin are scheduled to receive one in the next roll-out.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Brian Tierney said the bins will be a welcome addition to many homes across the District.

"Thank you to our Environment and Regeneration department who are continuing to work tirelessly in providing a number of critical services during a difficult period.

"One such service has been the delivery of these new garden waste bins, which will certainly prove useful to thousands of homes across the city and district, and I'm delighted that we were able to deliver 2,600 more than the initial 12,000 figure.

"Particularly now that we are spending more time in our own homes under the current circumstances, I'm sure there are many green-fingered gardeners out there who will already have their bin full!

"I would encourage all users to study the literature they received with their delivery carefully and ensure they are using it correctly.

"I would also say to those who have not yet received their garden waste bin that they will receive one during the next roll-out of the scheme.

"With several of our household recycling centres re-opened, and our bulky waste service continuing to operate, these are all incredibly valuable services which I encourage the public to avail of."

Details of the Garden Waste Recycling Scheme, including what you can put in your bin, are available at www.derrystrabane.com/greenwaste.