Fife Council criticised over falling recycling rates

Tay Bridgehead Councillor Jonny Tepp has pointed out that Fife Council has failed to improve the rate of recycling in Fife.

Recent statistics show that Fife is one of only seven local authorities in Scotland where recycling rates have decreased since 2011. Fife’s recycling rate has plummeted from 54.7 per cent in 2017 to 44.5 per cent in 2019, while the percentage of land-filled waste has increased.

Cllr Tepp said: “Fife has lost its place as a recycling leader. When I asked if the administration accepted any responsibility the answer given was in essence ‘yes, but it’s not our fault’, a clear attempt to deflect the blame elsewhere.

“Other administrations are doing better. What do they do? What does the literature on recycling say about the problem? Have we tried anything at all to identify areas where contamination is particularly bad in order to engage with and support communities to improve their recycling? Other councils across the country have problems with contamination and I expect to see Fife Council make a positive contribution rather than watching a steady decline and sitting on their hands. The administration needs to clean up its act on this.”

Convener of Fife Council’s Environment and Protective Services sub-committee, Cllr Ross Vettraino, responded: “Fife Council continues to be fully committed to providing one of the best kerbside recycling services in the country, which is supported by one of the country’s best network of recycling centres and recycling points. While it’s disappointing that our recycling rate has fallen slightly, the council is committed to working with our communities to re-emphasise the importance of recycling, particularly in the run up to Christmas.

“Cllr Tepp should also note the good news regarding the reported percentage of material which is recycled.”