Present: June, Silke, Alastair & Kate.
Absent: Nick
1. The Minutes of the meeting on 11th September 2025 were agreed.
2. Matters arising
i. Fly-tipping/Change-works issues.
It was agreed that the Change-works issue was now passed by events and that the fly-tipping question should be raised in the Newsletter. We have some evidence that persistent reporting of fly-tipping at particular bin-hubs, via the official channels, was having an effect in reducing the incidence.
3. Discussion on CEC Bin Hub Review
We are still expecting to see a formal proposal for Bin Hub location change in the New Year. The recent documents issued for a TRO consultation (seen in Warrender Park Terrace) reports that the Bin Hub Review Team will
Quote
….review the existing bin locations to develop more formalised collection hubs to improve the perception of the service and enhance the streetscape.
Unquote
It was agreed that details of the new Dec 5th Consultation should be reported in the Newsletter so that Members can make their own representation to the Council and also notify their Councillors of their concerns.
4. Press & Promotion
– Press Coverage and Campaign
June will pass details of the Consultation from the draft Newsletter to the ‘Edinburgh Minute’ daily report and we can explore other contacts as available. (Cara Blackhall of Edinburgh Live/Reach at [email protected])
– contact with Councillors
It was agreed that we need to continue to keep Councillors informed of Bin Hub issues to ensure that they remain aware of our activities.
5. November Newsletter
Items for inclusion:
– the new TRO consultation, with submissions by December 5th, showing its context to the Bin Hub review.
– a draft letter for Members to consider as they email Councillors.
– a mention of Edinburgh Minute
– a reminder to Members about the reporting fly-tipping and the need to control street weeds.
– seeking any volunteers for the SMAG Committee.
6. Forward Planning
– Committee Membership: ideally we need one or two new members, in order to see a minimum of three attendees at each SMAG Committee meeting.
– Street Weeds / Clean-up/ Noise Issues: these issues will be re-addressed in 2026 once we have achieved some progress on the Bin Hub re-location project. While the proliferation of bins is an aesthetic intrusion into our Conservation Area, bin noise, particularly from glass, remains the most severe issue, and separation of glass and food bins into less intrusive locations remains a SMAG objective.
7. AOCB – We have to decide whether to apply to the CEC for a presentation slot at the January TEC meeting.
Next Meeting: details to be agreed but provisionally during w/c Dec 8th or 15th.