Landmark investment in recycling in Scotland

Local authorities in Scotland have received over £13m to increase the quantity and quality of their recycling services. 

The fund, which will total £70m over five years, will help local authorities to get ready for future developments, including Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme. 

As part of Scotland’s recycling system, the scheme will be available across all of Scotland from July 2022 and will make it easier for everyone to recycle their used bottles and cans.

According to the government, the investment could reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 21,400 tonnes a year – the equivalent of taking 11,400 cars off the road.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: ‘This is one of the biggest investments in recycling in Scotland in a generation. By providing the support that’s needed to modernise local recycling infrastructure, we can help local authorities significantly improve their recycling performance.

‘That won’t just make it easier for households to recycle more – it will also make an important contribution to meeting Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.

‘I look forward to seeing these projects deliver for local communities and the environment, and to further innovative ideas from local authorities on how they can utilise this fund to improve recycling in their area.

‘We also want to see materials remain in use for as long as possible before they are recycled. To help make that happen, we will also be introducing an ambitious Circular Economy Bill during this parliament.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland added: ‘These awards represent a major new development in Scotland’s recycling story, with nine more impactful projects from across Scotland which make the most of our resources, boosting recycling and the circular economy. We’ve been impressed by the thinking from councils and look forward to even more transformational projects being brought forward next year.’