Figures released under Freedom of Information laws found that Ayrshire's councils replaced more than 15,000 wheelie bins in 2024.
Ayrshire Live Stephen Bark Ayrshire Live senior reporter 13:18, 10 Apr 2025Updated 13:20, 10 Apr 2025
Ayrshire's councils forked out to replace more than 15,000 wheelie bins last year.
Figures released under Freedom of Information laws highlighted that the county's three councils replaced 15,687 wheelie bins between them as residents noted damage, wear and tear or missing bins.
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Last year's figures were a 19.8 per cent increase on 2023 when 13,091 bins were replaced.
North and South Ayrshire Council were keen to point out that comparisons between the three councils were difficult to make as all three operate different kerbside recycling schemes.
South Ayrshire replaced the most bins as their recycling scheme consists of five bins - the most of the three councils.
In 2024, they replaced 8,666 bins - up from 7,681 in 2023 or an increase of 12.8 per cent.
North Ayrshire Council operate a four-bin system but still replaced far fewer bins than South Ayrshire in part due to the proportion of communal collections.
In 2024, 4,574 bins were replaced in North Ayrshire - up from 3,354 in 2023 or an increase of 36.4 per cent.
East Ayrshire Council replaced the fewest bins in the region due to their trolley box recycling system.
In 2024, they replaced 2,447 bins - up from 2,056 in 2023 or an increase of 19 per cent.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The figures provided include the reported damaged bins and lids, and also bins reporting as being missing and there has been an increase in the number of these over the last year.
“We are not aware of any mitigating factors but will continue to monitor trends to ensure we provide the best service possible for residents.”
A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: “We’re one of only a few councils in Scotland to operate a bin system with five different wheeled bins, therefore it is understandable that we may have to replace more bins through wear and tear etc.
“We have around 250,00 bins being used by residents. Replacing 8,666 a year is just 3.4 per cent, however we are asking residents to look after their bins and we’re actively working to reduce the number of bins we have to replace.”
East Ayrshire Council said that the figures equate to an annual replacement rate of 2.28 per cent and 2.72 per cent respectively.
The figures were unveiled following research from Skips and Bins, a waste management company.
Scott Hawthorne, Founding Director of Skips and Bins, commented: “The amount of wheelie bin replacements that occurred throughout 2023 and 2024 indicates a serious issue.
"We are seeing endless headlines of wheelie bin theft, arson attacks and weather conditions involving wheelie bins. Councils need to encourage residents to take proactive steps to secure their bins, as this not only helps prevent damage but also reduces costs that ultimately affect taxpayers.
“Simple measures, such as grouping bins together, securing them with ties, and placing them out as close as possible to collection times, can make a big difference.
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“The impact of unsecured bins isn’t just inconvenient, it’s costly for councils and households alike. Encouraging these precautions is vital in ensuring bins remain safe and secure during storms.”
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