A SIX-MONTH trial initiative to divert more of Fife’s bulky household waste from landfill has been such a success that it is being extended.

The project was launched in October with the aim of recycling more household items which are collected via the council’s kerbside special uplift service.

With the exception of white goods such as fridges and washing machines, this was previously sent to landfill, but since October, some of the items have been taken to local waste management companies where they are sorted and materials recovered and recycled into new products.

Between October and January, 65 tonnes of bulky items were collected for sorting, of which 34% of the material was recycled.

This means that 22 tonnes of waste was diverted from landfill-approximately the weight of 19 Mini Coopers.

Fife Council’s environment sustainability manager Chris Ewing said, “I am extremely encouraged by the outcome of this trial so far.

“Recycling 34% of bulky household items collected from the kerbside is a huge step forward, but we aim to significantly increase the recycling rate for bulky items by the end of next year.

“Not only does this help us to minimise the amount of waste ending up in landfill, it also prevents valuable resources from being wasted.”

Future plans are under way to collect bulky waste using a new box vehicle which would enable the local authority to recycle more of Fife’s vast number of mattresses.

FEAT Enterprises, who are based in Markinch, recycle mattresses that would otherwise go to landfill, separating them into various components so they can be recycled into new products, including carpets.

Ross Vettraino, vice-chairman of the environment, enterprise and transportation committee, said, “Recycling in Fife is going from strength to strength as the council works towards its goal of sending zero waste to landfill.

“It is important that we continue to look at ways to reuse material as well as recycle it, and plans to work in partnership with local social enterprises will bring benefits to both our environment and communities across Fife.”

The trial was due to finish at the end of March, but due to its huge success it will be continued for at least another six months.

Householders can contact the council to arrange a time for collection of their bulky household items for a small standard fee. Fridges and freezers are collected free of charge.