Friday January 30th 2026
Scottish Borders Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A household waste software app scrapped by Scottish Borders Council for a lower cost alternative is still sending out messages, the public has been informed.
The (SBC) Recycles App was a digital waste management tool launched to help residents using smart-phones, tablets, computers and other electronic devices to manage their household waste and recycling.
It provided tailored information for specific addresses, including bin collection days, and guidance on how to recycle correctly, aimed at improving local recycling rates.
The cash-strapped council discontinued the app in November last year as it transitioned to a broader suite of less expensive digital tools.
The dedicated app was to be removed, and users directed to use the council’s website for waste services advice.
But members of Scottish Council were informed this week that the app was still operating and sending out waste collection reminder messages due to a problematic software issue.
Tweeddale East councillor Marshall Douglas raised the issue at the meeting.
In response, Councillor Euan Jardine, the leader of SBC, said: “The council has moved away from the SBC Reycles App and introduced lower cost web-based alternatives for waste and recyclable information.
“Officers are aware that the app remains live and continues to send reminders, this is due to an issue with the software provider which we have raised and will continue to pursue.
“In the meantime residents may wish to delete their app and use the updated online tools to ensure the most accurate information.”
Councillor Douglas responded, saying: “Are the council aware that the app is still available on the App Store and on Google Play? We should let people know that other alternatives are available.”
Mr Jardine said that information would be passed on to the council’s IT department.
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