Argyll and Bute Council is to join forces with neighbouring local authorities in Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire to issue a tender to procure residual waste disposal services to cover the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

This will help secure the best possible price for services and ensure that we comply with the 2021 ban on Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) going to landfill.

The combined requirements of all three authorities will make the contract more attractive to a range of waste processors and potentially secure a more competitive rate.

The move comes after the possibility of building a new 'waste transfer facility' in Helensburgh was considered by council officials – but was deemed unviable on cost grounds.

READ MORE: Plan for Helensburgh 'waste transfer station' unlikely to proceed due to cost

West Dunbartonshire Council procurement team has led this process. Argyll and Bute Council’s Procurement and Legal teams have been involved from its inception, ensuring that all decisions made represent the interests of the council.

Councillor Roddy McCuish, Argyll and Bute's policy lead for roads and amenity services, said: “This joint contract is the way forward to secure best value for all three local authorities in time to meet the new regulations in 2021.

“Currently, capacity to treat and divert waste from landfill is limited, which means we need to get ready now. By taking this approach we can meet our obligations within the current budget.”