We top table for kerbside recycling rates

Colleagues in Waste Services were lauded in a recent UK-wide study of recycling rates.

The survey placed our council at the top of the table for our low rate of kerbside recycling being rejected due to contamination.

The research - carried out by not-for-profit Every Can Counts - was based on data submitted by more than 50 councils.

The group praised East Lothian for having a recycling rejection rate of only 3.95 per cent due to the presence of common recycling contaminants such as food waste.

Rejected recycling usually needs to be incinerated or taken to landfill and some UK local authorities had rejection rates as high as 35 per cent, according to the findings.

We have invested in more ways to help households recycle and our kerbside sorting system greatly minimises any contamination of mixed products.

And our service provision of delivering weekly recycling collections and three weekly general waste pick-ups is having a significant impact on raising our recycling levels and lowering the amount of waste going to landfill.

Tom Reid, our Head of Infrastructure, said: “Placing first amongst more than 50 UK councils for our kerbside recycling rates is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in Waste Services. The whole team can be proud of their performance, and this kind of recognition is thoroughly deserved.

“Our thanks also go to the county’s residents for their continued use and support of our recycling services. They are playing a vital role in protecting the environment and helping to tackle the climate emergency.”