TRADE waste bins are being banned from the streets in a bid to boost the appearance of Edinburgh.
Starting next month, trade bins will have to be kept out of sight until they are ready for collection.
The move, which has already been trialled, will be phased in with 5,000 city centre businesses first to be affected from April.
Areas such as Leith, Southside, Fountainbridge and Portobello will gradually follow.
Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “Keeping the city clean and attractive will benefit residents, visitors and businesses alike, and removing unsightly trade waste bins from the streets is one big step towards achieving this.
“It is extremely encouraging to see such positive results from the pilot areas, and there is no doubt the scheme will continue having an impact on our environment as it rolls out across the city.”
Gordon Minnis, owner of Rose Street North Lane restaurant Calistoga, said: “The lane looks a lot smarter with only a dozen or so small bins whereas before there were over 40 large containers. It’s also led to a reduction in litter and fly-tipping.”
Businesses will receive letters to inform them when the changes are being introduced to their area.
