MOBILE recycling is set for a return to the Borders.

From next month a pilot, which allows for wood, electrical items, batteries and cooking oil as well as garden waste to be deposited, will be launched in Jedburgh.

And if the scheme is successful it will be rolled out to West Linton, Lauder, Coldstream and Newcastleton.

The mobile recycling service is the latest effort by Scottish Borders Council for the region to become a landfill-free area.

Councillor Gordon Edgar said: “The Borders public has helped save £2million a year on landfill tax thanks to their efforts in recycling.

“However, we still have around 70 per cent of waste in our general bins which could have been recycled.

"Not only does this have an impact on the local environment, this costs taxpayers over £1m a year which could be spent elsewhere.

“We are always looking at ways to increase recycling in the Scottish Borders.

“This mobile recycling service pilot scheme is our latest effort."

The four-month mobile pilot will run from Sunday, September 8 to the Sunday before Christmas.

A survey will carried out during the same period to gauge use and views ahead of a decision being made about a roll-out.

Councillor Edgar added: "It is important to emphasise this is a pilot scheme, with the results of the pilot and survey to be considered fully before a final decision is made."

The mobile recycling service will operate every Sunday in Lothian Park Car Park (The Glebe) between 10am and 3pm.

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