A significant advancement in sustainable waste management has been announced as The Highland Council awards a major recycling contract to global packaging leader Smurfit Westrock.
The comprehensive six-year agreement will oversee the annual transportation of approximately 11,500 tonnes of mixed paper and card from Highland Council Waste Transfer Stations to Smurfit Westrock’s specialised Glasgow recycling facility.
This innovative partnership ensures collected materials undergo precise grading and baling processes before being transformed into brown paper reels at Smurfit Westrock’s UK-based paper mills, ultimately creating new high-quality consumer packaging across their 32 manufacturing plants.
Communities and Place Committee Chair, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, expressed enthusiasm about the contract’s potential to secure robust, long-term recycling solutions for the region’s waste management strategy.
The success of the initiative heavily relies on residents maintaining proper separation practices, with paper and card designated for blue bins while mixed plastic and metal containers go into green bins, ensuring optimal material quality for recycling.
Early feedback from Smurfit Westrock indicates exceptional quality standards in Highland’s paper and card collections, reflecting successful community engagement with the new recycling protocols.
Lucy Russell, Managing Director of Smurfit Westrock Recycling UK, confirmed their commitment to maximising the potential of Highland’s recycling output through their advanced processing facilities.
The comprehensive recycling programme accepts a wide range of materials, including cardboard packaging, newspapers, envelopes, shredded paper and catalogues, though certain items like soiled pizza boxes and takeaway cups remain excluded from the recycling stream.
The modernisation of waste collection services continues to progress smoothly, with Sutherland’s new bin distribution complete and Caithness scheduled for completion by early December.
Further rollouts are planned for Skye and Lochalsh starting February 2025, followed by Lochaber in summer 2025, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to expanding efficient recycling infrastructure across the region.
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Highland’s journey toward sustainable waste management, establishing a robust framework for future recycling initiatives while supporting local environmental objectives.
For more information and tips on how to reduce your waste please visit www.highland.gov.uk/recycle
