Argyll and Bute Council is taking important steps to ensure waste services remain compliant, sustainable and resilient in the light of significant changes in waste management legislation.
A report to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee today (9 October) also highlighted what steps are being taken to prepare for future changes.
The Council has successfully implemented measures to follow the ban on landfilling biodegradable municipal waste (general black bag waste), including the closure of landfill sites at Lingerton and Dalinlongart. Temporary exemptions are still in place for sites on Islay and Mull while longer-term solutions are developed for island communities.
Members heard that significant work has also been done to manage the transition from the former 25-year waste management contract and develop new arrangements that will ensure continued delivery of essential services.
Investment in recycling infrastructure includes improvements to household recycling facilities on Mull, Islay, Coll, Colonsay, Tiree and Helensburgh, helping to increase re-use opportunities and make recycling easier and more efficient for customers.
Future changes that will affect service delivery include the introduction of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme in 2027 and new statutory recycling standards under the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024.
The report notes that while financial and regulatory challenges remain, substantial progress has been made to reduce risk, improve waste services and support Scotland’s environmental goals.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services, said: “Managing waste in Argyll and Bute will cost £19.2m for 2026-27. As regulations continue to change, we will have to modernise our services to ensure compliance and efficiency while dealing with geographic and logistical challenges that most other local authorities do not have.
“This isn’t something the Council can do alone. We need communities, businesses and individuals to support us. Reducing waste isn’t just about saving money, it’s about looking after the environment we live in. Please consider how you can ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ day to day.”
For more information on how to ‘reduce, reuse, recyle’, please visit the Council website.
