Recycling rates in Dundee have almost doubled where a new bin scheme has been rolled out.
Dundee was one of only five out of Scotland’s 32 local authorities that still had a weekly bin collection before the changes came into place.
Now it is hoped the changes will nearly double the city’s recycling rate to 60% over the next five years.
Phase one of the scheme, which added burgundy bins, new food waste caddies and large, communal Eurobins to homes in Broughty Ferry, the West End, Dryburgh and Gowrie Park, has been hailed an overwhelming success, according to Janet Wade, Dundee City Council’s implementation project manager.
She said: “We are looking at about a 56-57% recycling rate in the phase one area compared to Dundee as a whole, where only 32% is recycled.
“So, it’s clearly making a big difference, and we think we will see a real change in Dundee’s recycling rate as more phases get under way.
“The feedback since the beginning of phase one has been very positive so far.
“Many residents say they are now actually saving money from buying less food as a result.”
The second phase is due to begin in November and will include Menzieshill, Charleston and Lochee.
It is anticipated the whole city will be under the new recycling scheme by 2017.