Giffnock recycle bike is a first for Scotland

Scotland’s first food waste recycling bike scheme was launched there this week — a project created by southsider Steve Taylor and trialled at Glasgow 2014.

The recycling bike will be used on a thrice-weekly basis to gather food waste from Giffnock’s many eateries, which will then be converted to compost at Rouken Glen Park.

Steve’s not-for-profit social enterprise, Big Green Feet, will run the community project, with support from the Business Improvement District committee Giffnock Village. The scheme also has funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund.

Steve, who runs Glasgow environmental consultancy Ideeas, said: “Managing food waste is a complex process and one that food and drink businesses can no longer afford to ignore.

“The Giffnock recycling bike is an innovative, economical solution that will not only help reduce emissions in the village, but also provide volunteering opportunities.

“The scheme will rely on volunteers in year one, so we are able to offer free collection, but by year two we aim to operate commercially through a combination of sponsorship and paid for collections.”

Giann Celino, restauranteur and chair of Giffnock Village, added: “The scheme will help reduce the number of waste lorries on the road, replacing vehicles that are slow, noisy and use huge amounts of fuel with something that is quiet, carbon-free and fun.”

To find out more, visit www.biggreenfeet.co.uk or tweet @BigGreenFeet1.