Grit bin removals
We understand that news of some grit bins being removed across Aberdeenshire has raised questions. On this page you can find our response to some of the most common queries.
We also included advice on how to check if your bin is being removed, how the Snow Warden Scheme works and ways to request a new grit bin.
We fully appreciate that these changes may be disappointing for some residents, but hope this guidance helps explain why they are necessary.
Why grit bins are being removed
The council is facing financial pressures and has had to make some difficult decisions, including reducing the number of grit bins in the area. By keeping grit bins only where they are is genuine need, it will mean resources are not used up to maintain and fill bins at locations of low need.
How we decide where to place grit bins
When assessing the location of a grit bin, we consider both the road and footpath gradient and the proximity of other bins. In addition, if the location is on a road or footpath which is already prioritised for winter maintenance by the council, a grit bin is not normally provided. Find out more about criteria for providing grit bins.
How to check if your bin is being removed
You can check our grit bin map to find out which bins will stay and which will be removed. The map shows the grit bins on the road network. The green dots show bins that will stay, and red dots show bins that will be removed.
You can also view a list of grit bins that are being removed in an alternative format.
What you can do if your bin is being removed
As well as making sure you are prepared for winter, residents can also work together. We encourage residents who wish to carry out snow clearing and gritting on footways to sign up to our Snow Warden Scheme.
We provide snow warden groups with training, guidance, equipment, protective equipment and grit. The scheme allows communities to become more proactive in the winter treatment their streets receive. We work with snow warden groups to help them understand effective snow clearing and grit spreading, and to manage the use of the grit provided to them.
Grit for snow warden groups
Snow wardens groups will continue to get grit even if nearby bins are removed. We usually provide our snow warden groups with 28 litre storage tubs which can be used to easily store grit off the public road network. The group can then manage the use of the grit that has been provided to them.
If you believe your area meets the criteria
You can make a grit bin request. We will continue to assess requests for grit bin provision in line with our criteria.
Removal of bins provided by residents or managed by a factor
Grit bins that have not been installed by the council should not be placed on the public road network or on land maintained by the council. If you manage a private bin, please move it off the public road to avoid it being removed.
Moving existing bins
Bins should be positioned where they provide the greatest benefit to the highest number of people. Grit bin locations must be safe, not cause an obstruction and be accessible for refilling. They are not located based on individual preference.
You can make a grit bin request to move the bin, and we will consider your request as the removal process finishes.
What happens to removed bins
The removed bins will be kept in storage and used to replace damaged ones or made available to other council services, reducing the need for corporate bin purchases over the next few years. Any damaged bins will be recycled.
Costs to remove the bins
The estimated standalone cost of removing these bins is £50,000. The expected saving from this initiative is £380,000 each year. To maximise the efficiency of our teams, we plan to carry out the bin removals alongside preparatory work for the upcoming 20 mph rollout, reducing the need to revisit locations.
Claims against the council
The council does not have to provide grit bins by law and there is no legal minimum winter service that must be delivered. In Scotland each council decides what winter services it can provide. We only pay claims where we are found liable, such as if we did not follow our own policy. Most claims are not successful.
We have a Winter Operational Plan and deliver our service in line with that plan. Providing grit bins only at locations that meet the qualifying criteria is in line with our plan.
Walking in winter safety
By focusing grit bin provision at locations of greatest risk (such as steep footpaths which are not prioritised for gritting by the council) we are using our limited resources in the most effective way.
Gritting of a footway should not be viewed as the only way of making walking in winter safer. By far the most important factors are measures taken by individuals. These include:
- Wearing shoes with good grip
- Using over-the-shoe ice grips
- Slowing down and walking appropriately
- Avoiding carrying heavy bags
- Using sticks
Participating in a snow warden group can also greatly improve the condition of local footways in winter. Snow clearing is the most effective way of dealing with snowfall (especially if this is done quickly after a snow event), and this can be coordinated within a snow warden group. Spreading grit is a much less effective response to snowfall.
Using grit on private property
Grit from bins can't be used on private driveways, garden paths and doorsteps. Grit from grit bins should be used only on the adopted road and footpath network.
Grit bins in new housing developments
In many instances, developers have provided grit bins whilst the development roads remained unadopted. Their provision is often not in line with council requirements and where a developer has installed a bin that doesn't meet the provision criteria it will be removed.