A new pilot scheme expected to increase recycling rates in Angus will launch next month.
From Monday 10 November, customers visiting Forfar Recycling Centre will be supported in separating recyclables from their waste at an on-site sorting station, where staff will be available to offer help and advice.
It’s expected that the pilot scheme, supported by Zero Waste Scotland, will improve recycling rates at the site by as much as 10% and reduce costs to the council – with money saved through the scheme being redirected to delivering vital front-line services such as social care and schools.
To avoid sorting your waste on site, we recommend that you separate all items that can be recycled before visiting the recycling centre.
Convener of Communities, Councillor Tommy Stewart, said, “Nearly half of the contents of black bags taken to recycling centres in Angus could have been recycled. This includes clothing, textiles, small electrical appliances and items that can be collected from home recycling bins such as food waste, paper and cans.
“It costs the council more to dispose of non-recyclable waste than it does to have recyclable materials sorted, diverting money away from other services across our communities.
“Angus has for a long time been one of the best performing councils in Scotland for recycling, and this gives us an opportunity to do even better.”
The pilot scheme - the first of its kind in Scotland - follows the successful rollout of similar efforts in Wales, where black bag sorting at recycling centres has been standard practice for the last decade. The initiative is also becoming more commonplace across England.
David Gunn, Recycling Improvement Fund Manager with Zero Waste Scotland, said, “This pilot is a great example of local authorities taking bold action to make improvements to their reuse and recycling services, influencing lasting behaviour change among citizens and supply chains and accelerating Scotland’s progress towards a cleaner, greener, circular economy.
“More effective recycling is a vital step in our journey towards the sustainable, resilient, and economically prosperous future we all want to see.”
More information on the changes can be found by visiting Sorting waste at Forfar recycling centre | Angus Council