The addition of new materials to the blue bin will be introduced next year and could save around £70,000.
A report on the first phase of a waste compositional analysis study, which was carried out on household kerbside collections in June 2014 in the Inner Moray Firth area, has been considered by the Community Services Committee. A further phase of the study is currently being done.
Initial findings show that around 43% of household waste is collected through green bins (Grey In Caithness) and 20% through kerbside recycling (blue and brown bins and food waste collections where available). The remaining 37% is captured through recycling centres and points and residual waste skips.
If recycling capture rates could be increased to 75%, a further 2,700 tonnes of material (glass, paper, card, metals and plastic bottles) could be diverted from landfill. This not only saves money, but will also result in less carbon emissions.
A framework arrangement through Scotland Excel for Scottish local authorities has now been concluded and this arrangement can be used to procure a new blue bin service in 2015, which will allow additional materials, such as aerosols and tetrapacks. A further 1,000 tonnes of kerbside recycling could save around £70,000.
Chair of the Community Services Committee, Graham Mackenzie appealed to the public to increase their efforts to use recycling facilities. He said "Everyone can help to recycle more. This will not only save money in landfill costs, but is a much better thing to do for our environment and our future."