Aberdeen residents may not have to separate their recycling for collection under changes currently being trialed in the city.
A new system of disposing of recyclable materials is being tested in some areas which could see the amount collected from homes trebled.
City households would only need to use one 240-litre recycling bin under the plans, as opposed to the 70-litre bag and box system currently in place.
The changes could be the first step in the introduction of mixed recycling collections across the whole of the city.
Areas of Deeside, Queen’s Cross and Kingswells have had their recycling collected in this way throughout recent weeks.
Under the plans, “co-mingled” waste would be taken from the council’s East Tullos interim transfer facility to Shotton Materials Recycling Facility, near Chester, to be separated and recycled.
George Street and Harbour ward councillor, Jean Morrison, said: “Residents can be assured that all the material that they put out for recycling is still being recycled, even though they are seeing it go into the back of a normal bin lorry.
“Early results are showing us that collecting recycling material in this way is quicker and cheaper than sorting it at the kerbside.”
The council hope to use information gathered from the trial towards planning a city-wide introduction of mixed recycling collections.
More materials would also be accepted for recycling under the plans, including plastic pots, tubs, trays and waxed cartons.
Further trials in other areas of the city are planned for the rest of the month.