They show Dundee spent £10.91 on recycling per head of population in the financial year 2005/6, beating Glasgow, which spent £9.17. Edinburgh spent the most — £21.31 per head — and Aberdeen came second, spending £13.52.

Both the Executive and the local council remain satisfied with Dundee’s recycling programme.

A spokesperson for the Executive said, “Since 2000, we have allocated over £332 million through the Strategic Waste Fund to give councils the facilities they need to improve recycling and divert waste from landfill.

“As a result, councils across the country have reported significant progress in recycling through increased kerbside collections and improved recycling points.

“Dundee’s record in recycling has improved and is making a contribution to achieving our overall target of recycling or composting 25% of municipal waste by 2006.

“Following trials, we intend to provide resources to Dundee and other urban authorities to improve recycling facilities, specifically for people living in tenements.”

Dundee earned a reputation as Scotland’s recycling city after figures showed it reused 30% of its waste.

In May, the council announced a 61% increase in kerbside paper collections over the previous 12 months.

Council environmental services and sustainability convener Councillor Julie Sturrock said, “Dundee City Council is receiving around £26 million from the Scottish Executive up until 2020 to help build on and take forward the city's already impressive recycling record.

“We are proud of Dundee's achievement as Scotland's recycling city and this is something that has been backed by the enthusiastic support of the people of this city.

“Already, through the Scottish Executive funding, we have been able to increase household compost and paper collection, and also provided a new way of collecting plastics, glass and aluminium cans direct from the kerbside.

“The recently re-opened Baldovie recycling centre was completely transformed using this funding.

“Dundee City Council is taking a long-term view of recycling and the funding from the Scottish Executive is helping us to improve on the great work that is ongoing in the city.”