More than 90% of waste that would have gone into landfill sites will be recycled in a deal between five Scottish councils and a private sector company, which will also generate energy.

North Lanarkshire Council, the lead authority on behalf of East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire Councils, signed the £700m partnership contract with waste management company Viridor following a competitive tendering process.

It will divert about 190,000 tonnes of waste from landfill by capturing recyclable materials and then recovering renewable energy from what remains.

The 25-year project will begin at the end of 2019.

Councillor Jim Logue, North Lanarkshire Council Leader, said: 'By working in partnership, we are delivering improved services for residents, best value for tax payers, creating new jobs and recycling more waste which would otherwise go to landfill.'