Residents in Aberdeenshire are being urged to give their views on proposed changes to waste collection.
Aberdeenshire Council released its recycling and waste strategy earlier this month which proposes reduced bin space for landfill waste disposal, increased recycling services and the refinement of recycling facilities.
Aberdeenshire’s recycle rate is 43.5%, but should be at 70%.
Five recycling centres are also proposed to close to allow for better service at other centres.
Peter Argyle, chairman of the Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) said: “We have been talking about reducing waste sent to landfill and increasing the reuse and recycling of valuable materials for some time.
“We can’t go on simply talking about it and ignoring the fact that we as a society are failing, so this new strategy seeks to tackle that.
“The time has come to make physical changes which will support the urgent need to do something about our attitude to the waste we produce.”
ISC vice chairman, John Cox, said: “Aberdeenshire’s recycling rate in recent years has clearly plateaued, despite the introduction of new services making it even easier to do.
“So clearly, we need to do more to make the most of the waste we produce.
“Other local authorities have had success taking the route proposed for Aberdeenshire but we would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and give us their views.”
The consultation runs until September 28.
Views can be given at local libraries, council service points and online.