Recycling scheme to be rolled out after successful pilot

Supported by Zero Waste Scotland, the scheme was launched at Forfar Recycling Centre last November and saw customers visiting the town’s recycling centre being supported in separating recyclables from their waste at an on-site sorting station, with staff on hand to offer help and advice.

Over the five-month trial, 7.74 tonnes of recyclable materials were diverted from the non-recyclable waste skip, improving the recycling rate at the centre by 6.77% on the same period over the last two years.

Waste composition analysis of non-recyclable skips in March 2026 revealed the amount of recyclable materials present had reduced by more than half compared to previous analysis in 2022-23.

Other positive changes were that site staff noted that customers were more likely to have their waste sorted before they arrived, and site visitors said they had gained a better understanding of what could be recycled at Forfar Recycling Centre.

The scheme will now be rolled out to Montrose, Brechin Carnoustie and Arbroath centres over the coming year.

Councillor Tommy Stewart, communities convener, said one of the reasons behind the initiative was that nearly half of the contents of black bags taken to recycling centres could have been recycled.

He said: “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.

“Another one of the positives came as nearly one tonne of electrical equipment, batteries and vapes were diverted to recycling – this greatly helps reduce the fire risk we experience every day from batteries going in bins and skips, putting collection crews and people who work at waste plants in danger.

“Every battery taken to recycling centres or recycling points helps reduce this risk – 80% of visitors surveyed said they dispose of batteries properly which is great to see and thanks go to Angus residents for their help.”