The Scottish Government has reached an agreement with COSLA that will lead to consistent recycling systems across Scotland.
A new Household Recycling Charter and associated Code of Practice will lead to the introduction of a new three-stream system.
This will include one container for glass, one for paper and card, and one for metals and plastics together with existing food and residual waste collections.
Over time, the intention is to move to a common colour system.
Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “This new consistent approach will sweep away the confusion that we face every time we come across yet another difficult recycling system.
“It will maximise the quantity and quality of materials captured, and allow us to give consistent national messages about what people should do with their recycling, wherever they are in Scotland.”
Councils will be able to sign up to the charter from January.
