HELENSBURGH’S MSP has admitted her disappointment at the latest Argyll and Bute recycling figures which show targets in the area are being missed.

The most recent household waste recycling target was set for 60 per cent to be recycled by 2020, but Argyll and Bute Council failed to meet this target, recycling only 38.6 per cent. Nationally, the figure was 44.9 per cent - a shortfall of 15.1 per cent.

World leaders are due to arrive in Glasgow for COP26 at the end of the month to discuss what can be done on climate change, and Jackie Baillie has insisted there must be more action at all levels.

She said: “The SNP government must get a grip of its embarrassing record on recycling and stop building large-scale incinerators. Both Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire Councils must do far more to ensure that households can recycle quickly and easily.

“The climate emergency is real, and households should be getting more support to access recycling facilities and reduce their waste.

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“Scotland’s recycling rates are going in the wrong direction and with COP26 approaching the SNP should be embarrassed.”

A council spokesperson said: “We are committed to making recycling as convenient and sustainable as possible, despite the many challenges presented by Argyll and Bute’s vast area and complicated geography.

“Household recycling increased by five per cent from 2015 to 2019, although we recognise there is still much work to do.

“We continue to work with the Scottish Government to identify and resource appropriate solutions for the needs of Argyll and Bute. Meantime, we encourage residents, businesses and visitors to do what they can. This is not something the council can do on its own – we all have a part to play.”