A controversial new council contract will see a fleet of lorries transport thousands of tonnes of rubbish 160 miles by road from Perth and Kinross.
The arrangement – which started this month– has come under attack for potentially wiping out much of the benefits of recycling.
The council said the deal which will see dry mixed recyclables – paper, cardboard, cans, food and drinks cartons and rigid plastic packaging – sent to the north of England was the best economic option for council tax payers.
“The contract with Suez at the materials recycling facility at Binn Farm Glenfarg, ended on October 31 2016,” said a council spokesperson.
“In preparation of this, the council undertook a competitive tender process earlier this year where contractors were invited to bid for the processing contract for dry mixed recycling.
“The tender was advertised on the national Public Contract Scotland advertising website.
“The new contract was awarded to Suez at their West Sleekburn materials recycling facility.
“This decision was made based on this site being the most economically advantageous offer made by private sector bidders during the tender process, and includes all haulage costs.”
The contract had raised some eyebrows according to one council insider.
“The council has been placed in a difficult position – on the one hand it is incredibly proud of the efforts made locally to encourage recycling but it also has a duty to the council tax payers,” he said.
“The problem is that most people want to play their part in reducing waste and encouraging recycling but won’t be happy to see more lorries on the road as a result, using up fuel.
“The danger is that members of the public may say ‘what is the point’ and stop being as particular about sorting out their rubbish. If dry mixed recyclables end up in general waste that means an increase in material going to landfill, which has major cost implications for the council.”
Murdo Fraser MSP questioned the new arrangement and felt it would increase the council’s carbon footprint and “undo the good work of recycling”.
“With budgets tight it is only right that Perth and Kinross Council look for the best deal to process their recyclables,” he conceded.
“Whilst this contract was awarded under competitive tender it seems almost inconceivable that it is cheaper for Suez to move this rubbish southwards rather than using a local provider.
“It is a pity, too, that council contracts are not used to support local jobs rather than further afield.”
The council collected more than 8,800 tonnes of dry mixed recyclables last year.
The £13 million waste management facility in West Sleekburn can manage up to 120,000 tonnes of recyclables and waste each year.
