MEMBERS of a Dunfermline Scout group showed they were prepared for changes when they helped launch Fife Council's new recycling campaign.

The initiative, 'A Little Effort Goes A Long Way', is now underway to raise awareness of two small changes that are taking place to recycling collections. These changes aim to improve the quality of recycling collected across Fife.

To help residents with some of the changes to the materials accepted in household recycling bins, Fife Council’s new Recycling Guide will be coming through doors soon.

From February, cartons – such as juice, long -life milk and soup cartons – will now go into your green recycling bin, rather than the grey bin.

Some low-quality plastics that are very difficult to recycle, including carrier bags, cellophane, plastic film and wrappers, will now go into the blue bin, rather than the green bin.

The new guide will show householders how they can best use recycling facilities – such as recycling points as well as kerbside bins – across the region.

Cllr Ross Vettraino, Fife Council's Environment, Protective Services & Community Safety Committee convener, said: “The changes are necessary as Fife Council must keep pace with the national and international changes in recycling markets. No recycling campaign can be successful if it doesn’t have the active support of the community.

"It's important that the council keeps the community informed and makes recycling as easy as possible. That's why a new Guide will be delivered to every household, and additional advice is available from Recycling Advisors by calling 03451 55 00 22 (lines open 8am - 6pm), or visiting www.fifedirect.org.uk/recycling.

"The damage being done to the environment by the irresponsible disposal of plastic is well known. For its part, the council is leading the way by eliminating single use plastics from every one of its buildings through its ‘Cut it Out’ campaign.

"Everyone can join the campaign, for example, by not using single use plastic and using refillable containers and reusing materials wherever possible and, most importantly, making sure that plastic waste goes into the correct bin.”

The small changes to recycling bring Fife in line with Scotland’s Household Recycling Charter, and with other Scottish councils.

Adrian Bond, Recycling Programme Manager, Zero Waste Scotland said: “Zero Waste Scotland is supporting local authorities to implement the Household Waste Recycling Charter, which is designed to introduce consistent and comprehensive recycling services across Scotland.

"This will make it as easy as possible for householders to recycle no matter where you live in the country.

“Householders also have the power to make a big impact by saying no to unnecessary single-use plastic. Reduction is even better than recycling as it reduces the demand for natural resources in the first place.”

Dunfermline’s 44th Fife (St Leonards Church) Scout Group, along with Kirkcaldy’s 5th Fife Scout Group (Cubs), joined the council at the campaign launch to help raise awareness of the changes.

Members of Dunfermline’s 44th Fife (St Leonards Church) Scout Group provided some top tips for reducing waste at home.

One Scout, Erin, suggested: “Instead of buying bottled water, use a re-useable water bottle.”

Adam said: “Take re-useable bags when you go shopping, rather buying than single use plastic bags.”

Amy: “Eat ice cream in a cone, rather than buying it in a plastic tub, with a plastic spoon."

Jake added: “Next time you’re putting an item in the landfill bin, double check to see if it can be recycled.”