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THE Scottish Government has launched a consultation on proposals that could increase Scotland’s household recycling rates by 2.5%.
Under the plans, the country would move towards more households having collections of paper and card separately from plastic, metal, and cartons to reduce recycling contamination.
Clear and consistent definitions of materials accepted for kerbside collection would also be introduced, whilst limits on general waste capacity would be implemented to encourage greater use of recycling and food waste collections. A nationally recommended colour for recycling bins would also seek to increase understanding on how to recycle.
Delivering a key commitment of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act, the code has been developed through extensive engagement with local authorities, waste management practitioners, and environmental organisations. The consultation now gives communities, individuals, and organisations across Scotland the chance to shape the final code before it is laid before the Scottish Parliament.
Furthermore, it also clarifies that flexible plastic and plastic films should also be collected from households. The consultation also seeks views on proposals developed with local authorities and stakeholders regarding how food and garden waste should be collected and how rural exemptions should apply.
Modelling suggests the code could increase Scotland’s household recycling rate by approximately 2.5% and reduce carbon emissions by around 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 27,000 petrol cars.
Gillian Martin, Scottish Government cabinet secretary for climate action and rural affairs, said, “Recycling well shouldn’t depend on where you live. This code will help make sure it is easier for people right across Scotland, in both our cities and rural communities, to recycle more.
“We’ve worked closely with councils and stakeholders on these proposals and I am grateful to them for their constructive engagement to get us to this stage. However, it is clear that there’s more to get right before the code is finalised. I’d encourage everyone with a view, whether you’re a council, a community group or simply someone who wants to see Scotland recycle better, to take part in this consultation and help us shape the final code.”
