Amount of landfill waste at all-time low

HOUSEHOLD waste destined for landfill is at its lowest ever level with recycling rates soaring, new figures have shown.

At least 7000 tonnes of rubbish has been saved from the dump this year compared with the corresponding period in 2011/12 – a drop of six per cent.

The amount of recycled waste has also increased by more than 6000 tonnes or eight per cent and food waste recycling is at its highest level since being introduced last September with 465 tonnes collected.

Edinburgh councillor Jim Orr, vice convener of the transport and environment committee, said: “These figures tell me that the reduce, reuse and recycle message is being taken on-board by residents.

“The continued roll-out of the food waste recycling scheme across the city this year is expected to have an even more positive impact on reducing the amount we send to landfill, which is both expensive and harmful to the 
atmosphere.”