Paper and Card Tender Could Boost Recycling Effort

Further efforts to improve Dundee’s recycling record are to be considered by councillors.

A contract for the treatment of paper and card collected in the city is to go before the next meeting of the City Growth and Infrastructure Committee (Mon Jan 5, 2026). Councillors will hear that following the end of the previous contract, a procurement process was undertaken.

A bid received by Smurfit Westrock Recovered Fibre UK to process material in Scotland is anticipated to generate income for the council of around £346,000 over a two-year period.

If the contract is extended for a further two years, a total of approximately £692,000 would be generated for the local authority over four years.

The tender is going before the committee just after the council approved a new waste and recycling strategy action plan ‘Towards a Waste Free Dundee 2026-2030'.

This prioritises increasing recycling rates, reducing the volume of waste sent for disposal, and fostering long-term waste behavioural change.

Committee convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “It is important that we seek best value for the council and the city for this type of recycling contract. This bid will help us to keep up our recycling efforts and also generate income for the council.”

Climate, Net Zero and Environment Committee Convener Heather Anderson added: "To keep Dundee thriving into the future, we must care for our environment and play our part in making the city cleaner, greener, and more sustainable. it’s important we redouble our efforts as a city and I am confident that Dundee can lead the way in being environmentally responsible."