A six-figure revamp of Forfar’s recycling centre will get under way this week.
The proposed improvements are estimated to cost £250,000 and demolition work begins on site from today.
Efforts are being made to keep the centre open throughout this period, with any temporary closures kept to a minimum and aimed at avoiding the festive period.
However, it is anticipated that the centre will have to close in early January to allow work to be completed.
Once work is complete, the Queenswell Road centre in Forfar will open seven days a week and operate longer hours.
Communities vice-convener, Councillor Tommy Stewart said: “We want residents to begin their recycling effort on their doorstep.
“But we also recognise that our recycling centres have a key role to play in supporting people to get the right stuff in the right bin, or the right container if your prefer.
“This is an important investment in the recycling centre at Forfar — one that will ensure it is fit for future use by our residents and that will support us in our determination to increase our already high recycling rates.
“Increasing recycling at our centres will not only reduce our environmental impact but will also deliver significant financial savings that enable us to retain all our current recycling centres.”
Operations at Angus recycling centres were under review following full council’s decision not to proceed with proposed closures of four of the seven existing recycling centres last year.
In September, councillors agreed that Arbroath, Forfar and Montrose centres will open seven days a week and continue to accept the full range of waste and recycling materials.
The other centres in Brechin, Carnoustie, Kirriemuir and Monifieth will open five days per week but only accept materials for recycling, with no mixed or general waste allowed.
A householder permit scheme for larger, non-commercial vehicles and trailers will also be introduced at all centres when the changes take effect in February.
The voucher scheme for commercial vehicles would continue.
Angus recycling rates must increase from 51% to 60% for the proposal to work.
Forfar’s lay-out is being reconfigured to enhance traffic flow and to allow increased capacity for more containers.
Surfacing work is scheduled to take place the following week on parts of the depot out with the existing recycling centre area.
From Monday, space at the centre will be reduced due to the works and it will not be possible to deposit textiles or gas bottles at the site, or collect compost from it.
Textiles can be left at Nathan’s clothing bank at Asda while gas bottles should be returned to the supplier or taken to an alternative recycling centre.
Compost is available at both Arbroath and Montrose recycling centres.
