Proposed Waste and Recycling Investment

Proposed investment in the future of Dundee City Council’s waste and recycling operations is set to go before councillors.

Three reports are to be considered by the next meeting of the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee.

A sourcing strategy is being put forward for the procurement process to purchase wheeled bins, euro containers, skips and specialist containers for neighbourhood recycling points for the next year.

Costs of £150,000 are outlined, with approval sought to proceed through the Scotland Excel procurement service.

Councillors will hear that the annual purchase is required for new build properties and new commercial customers amongst others, as well as replacing damaged items.

Another report focusing on recycling presents a sourcing strategy for the procurement process for the treatment of mixed scrap metal, mixed recycling: metals, plastics and cartons, as well as paper and cardboard.

Current contracts for the three areas of recycling total around £470,000.

New contracts would start later in 2025 and would involve the reprocessing of over 7,500 tonnes of material a year.

Meanwhile, the committee is being asked to approve the purchase of specialist equipment for Baldovie Household Waste Recycling Centre.

The £99,722 cost will be covered by money received from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, which is being used to maximise reuse, recycling and carry out site upgrades at the city’s two recycling centres.

The roll packer will be used for compacting waste and recycling contained in open skips. High compaction will be possible, and this will result in fewer vehicle and skip movements, leading to better operational efficiency.

Committee convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “These reports show our commitment to improve our recycling and reuse rates and make it easier for more people to play a part in our recycling effort.”

Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Convener Cllr Heather Anderson said: "As a council, we have declared a climate emergency with waste being one of the key themes within that declaration and the subsequent Dundee Climate Action Plan.

“To make a real impact, it is important that we continue to improve the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste and resources in the city. So, it is vitally important that we keep investing for the future.”

The committee meets on Monday April 21.