Council chiefs have confirmed workers will stop collecting extra bags of rubbish – or “side waste” – from outside all homes in Dundee in time for Christmas.
The local authority is changing the way it collects general waste across the city in an attempt to improve recycling rates.
The move was announced earlier this year, with the council saying that any additional waste that is not contained in a grey wheelie bin will not be taken away by refuse workers.
It has now been confirmed that all eligible households in the city will have the policy implemented by November 29, though the change has already come into force for some areas.
It means that any extra bags of rubbish generated over the festive period, when people typically generate additional waste, will have to be disposed of by residents.
In a letter sent to residents, Tony Boyle – head of environment at the council’s neighbourhood services department – says it is “important” to take the step to minimise waste.
He claims “significant” levels of recyclable materials are being discarded in general waste bins.
Dundee City Council says analysis of recent samples of general waste wheelie bins shows the contents as follows:
- 8% glass
- 18% paper and card
- 31% food waste
- 3% plastic bottles
- 3% metal
- 1% garden waste
- 5% textiles and footwear
- 2% electricals
- 29% general waste
Any bags of rubbish left beside bins will be placed back inside the bin once it has been emptied, for collection on the next date.
Are there any exemptions to the new rules?
According to the council, residents can apply for a second grey general waste bin if they meet certain criteria.
Families in households of six or more people, or who have two or more children in disposable nappies, can ask for a second grey bin.
Residents who also suffer with medical conditions – which generate extra waste – can also apply to use an extra bin.
Anyone with a second bin will have to display a permit for it to be collected.
Those who currently have two general waste bins but do not have a permit will not have their second bin collected.
The rules do not apply to households that use communal bins.
Council hopes to improve recycling performance
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “These strategic changes have been introduced across the city in three separate phases over the second half of 2021 (September 20, October 25 and November 29) and letters giving further details have been issued to affected households prior to the start of each phase.
“These changes will improve Dundee’s recycling performance, reduce disposal costs and promote sustainable waste management practices within the city as part of Scotland’s Zero Waste ambitions.”
