Scotland’s waste system could face a crisis, with rubbish potentially left uncollected as landfill capacity shrinks and Glasgow’s main incinerator remains out of action. Industry experts say the combination has created a “perfect storm”, while ministers and representatives prepare to discuss contingency plans without an obvious short-term solution.

Only three sites now handle most residual waste, down from 10 last year, and Mount Vernon landfill is receiving about 5,000 tonnes weekly, up from 2,000 tonnes. Its operator expects the site to be full by the end of the year, while Glasgow’s Polmadie incinerator is not expected to reopen until March; a landfill ban has also been delayed until January 2028, and recycling rates have barely improved in a decade.