Bin hubs have been a major point of concern for many residents across Edinburgh, and particularly in Morningside. Since their introduction in 2021, I have been contacted by numerous constituents who feel that the placement of these hubs has caused unnecessary disruption to their streets and daily lives.
While bin hubs are part of the council’s wider waste management strategy, it is clear that in many locations, they have not been implemented in a way that works for local communities. Concerns have ranged from accessibility issues to the visual impact and obstruction of footpaths. The council recently announced that changes will be made to 144 bin hubs across the city, with some being relocated or removed in response to ongoing feedback from residents. Some of these changes have already been carried out, but around 100 of the hubs are set to be expanded, removed, or relocated in the coming weeks. Decisions regarding bin hubs have been made based on resident consultations and evolving council policies. Council officers have confirmed that many of the planned changes will take place within weeks.
In Morningside and the surrounding areas, several bin hubs are set to be relocated, including those on Falcon Avenue, Falcon Gardens, Falcon Road, Bruntsfield Crescent, Colinton Road, Bruntsfield Place, Mardale Crescent, Merchiston Avenue, Merchiston Crescent, Montpelier Park, Plewlands Terrace, Morningside Drive, Braid Road, and Craiglea Drive. Additionally, a hub in Warrender Park Road has been removed, and one in Merchiston Grove is due to be extended. Other locations affected include Marchmont Road, Spottiswoode Road, Bruntsfield Terrace, Forbes Road, Bruntsfield Gardens, Cuddy Lane, Falcon Avenue, Falcon Gardens, Polwarth Hardens (Mertoun Place), Mertoun Place, and Montpelier Park, where bin hubs are being relocated, removed, or extended to better suit the needs of residents.
I am pleased that I have been able to work with residents to get some bin hubs moved to more appropriate locations. However, I know that many residents are still experiencing problems, and I want to assure you that I will continue to press for further improvements. Your concerns have been heard, and I am determined to keep working on your behalf to ensure that waste collection is both effective and respectful of our shared spaces.
As part of these changes, the council has revised its framework for bin hub placements. There is now more flexibility in terms of location, including increased consideration for placing hubs across the street where necessary. This is a welcome shift, as it allows for more thoughtful positioning that takes into account the character of our neighbourhoods and the practical needs of residents.
I have been raising these issues consistently and will continue to do so on behalf of residents. It is clear that further improvements are still needed, and I remain committed to pushing for solutions that work for Morningside and beyond.
I want to thank everyone who has contacted me about this issue. Your feedback has been essential in driving these changes, and I encourage you to continue raising any concerns so that I can keep advocating for improvements. If you are still affected by a problematic bin hub location, please get in touch, and I will do everything I can to support you in getting a resolution.