Council cash for polystyrene recycling

The City of Edinburgh Council has been awarded £19,000 to support the recycling of Expanded Polystyrene at Household Recycling Centres.

The £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund (RIF) was launched by the Scottish Government in 2021 to provide grants to local authorities for improving recycling infrastructure and services. The Council has been awarded funding under the Small Grants Scheme which is targeted at strengthening local authority collection systems.

Following successful trials at our three household waste recycling centres (Seafield, Craigmillar, Sighthill), the funding will support the continued collection of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).

EPS, a lightweight foam material, is rarely recycled and would otherwise need to be disposed of by energy recovery, which involves burning the waste at high temperatures.

The funding will see the creation of an external storage area at one of the council sites which will be more space efficient and help to make the collection permanent.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Committee Convener, said:I’m delighted that we’ve secured essential funding to improve our recycling services. As Scotland’s capital, we’re determined to play our part in the global fight against climate change by managing waste in the most sustainable way possible.

“Our target to be a net-zero city by 2030 is bold and ambitious but we’re continuing to make progress. Recycling is something we can all do to help Edinburgh reduce its emissions and create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

“We must work together with the Scottish Government to achieve our shared ambitions and support both Edinburgh and Scotland’s transition to net-zero.”

Zero Waste Scotland’s Recycling Improvement Fund Manager David Gunn said:We’re proud to be working with the Scottish Government to support the City of Edinburgh Council to access Recycling Improvement Fund grants and to work with them to successfully implement their project.

“By recycling as much as possible, we can all help reduce carbon emissions, tackle climate change, and ease the pressure placed on the planet.

“The council’s award will help improve its recycling infrastructure and services, benefitting residents and taking Scotland forward on its journey to becoming a circular economy.”

 Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said:Recycling has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to the climate crisis.

“Since launching in 2021, hundreds of thousands of people across the country have benefitted from projects supported through our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund – one of the biggest investments in a generation to modernise recycling in Scotland.

“I am delighted that this latest round of funding will make it easier for many more households across Scotland to recycle their waste, boosting local recycling rates.”

More than 60% of people living in Edinburgh are more concerned about climate change in 2024

Sustainable living ranks among top New Years resolutions

  • New survey from Zero Waste Scotland shows people living in the Edinburgh area are taking action to live more sustainably this year – as 61% say they’re more concerned about climate change than in 2023
  • Scotland is bucking the International Quitter’s Day trend (Friday 12th January) with more than half saying they plan to keep up their sustainable changes past 2024
  • Half of Edinbugh residents are prepared to buy fewer ‘new’ products in 2024 – which Zero Waste Scotland has deemed “the ultimate action” to tackle climate change

People living in Edinburgh and the Lothians are prioritising the fight against climate change in 2024, as 61% say they’re more concerned about climate change now, compared to this time last year.

While resolutions tend to include goals such as eating more healthily, losing weight, or cutting out sweets and alcohol, new research, commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland, shows nearly a quarter (24%) of people in the area, who made a New Year’s resolution for 2024, have vowed to live more sustainably.

Reducing food waste was the top eco action people said they would take this year, with 72% saying they would target this as part of their sustainable lifestyle efforts. Recycling more or better was another top pick for the planet, with 67% of respondents indicating they would take this on.

Encouragingly, half (50%) of people in Edinburgh and the Lothians surveyed said they would consider buying fewer new products this year – a move with huge potential to cut our contribution to climate change.

The data was released on International Quitter’s Day(Friday 12 January 2024)– the day on which people around the world are most likely to give up on their New Year’s resolutions.

Despite this global trend, more than half (56%) of people surveyed said they intend to keep up their sustainable pledges for longer than 12 months – a sign that Edinburgh-based Scots are ready to do their part in the fight against climate change.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, explained:While some circular lifestyle choices have become second nature to many, it’s fantastic to see an increasing appetite from Scotland to live more sustainably. And what better time to create new habits than in the New Year.

Curbing our consumption is the ultimate action we can all take, as it reduces demand for the finite raw materials needed to make new products. Doing so can help us cut the climate impacts of our purchasing decisions down to size, avoid the worst effects of climate change, and live within the limits of our natural environment.

“There are plenty of resources available to help people in Scotland live more sustainably in the long-run and landmarks like the Scottish Government’s upcoming Circular Economy Bill and Routemap will only galvanise our efforts.

“Let’s all make small changes that have huge impact in 2024 and beyond.”

Other green lifestyle choices highlighted by survey respondents included:

  • Reducing use of single-use cups (39%)
  • Repairing or altering clothing instead of buying new (40%)
  • Exploring sharing and leasing (e.g. for clothing, toys, tools etc.) over buying new (21%)
  • Giving alternative gifts – like time, skills, or experiences (15%)
  • Taking more direct action against climate change, e.g. writing to my MSP, attending protests, etc. (18%)

To help empower people to embrace sustainability, Zero Waste Scotland has created an interactive online Circularity Quiz which challenges users to think about their consumption habits and how they might impact Scotland’s carbon footprint.

Throughout the quiz there are hints and tips to help people make positive changes and highlight the incredible work being done across communities, local authorities, business, and government to strengthen Scotland’s circular economy.

The quiz is available on the Zero Waste Scotland website.

Scotland generates lowest amount of household waste since 2011

Scottish household waste statistics 2022 

  • Lowest amount of Scottish household waste generated since 2011.
  • Scotland generated 2.33 million tonnes of household waste in 2022, down 148,000 tonnes (6.0%) from 2021.
  • Overall household recycling rate was 43.3%, up slightly from 2021
  • 0.43 tonnes of waste generated per person in 2022 – 0.19 tonnes recycled, 0.11 tonnes landfilled and 0.14 tonnes diverted through other means
  • Carbon impact of Scotland’s waste was 5.5 million tonnes of CO2e or 1.02 carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per person. This is down 357,000 TCO2e from 2021 and 1.22 million TCO2e from 2011  

Waste from all sources landfilled and incinerated in Scotland 2022

  • Waste from all sources landfilled in Scotland in 2021 decreased 21.0% largely due to fewer soils and sorting residues being landfilled 
  • Waste from all sources incinerated in Scotland in 2022 increased 4.9%, largely due to an increase in sorting residues. 

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) statisticians have published Official Statistics today (17 October 2023) which provide detail of Household Waste collected across all Local Authorities during 2022, as well as waste landfilled and incinerated in Scotland in 2022.  

The figures show that Scotland generated the lowest amount of household waste since 2011 and suggests the figures have recovered after the anomalous years of 2020 and 2021 – which were impacted by restrictions imposed due to Covid-19. 

SCOTTISH HOUSEHOLD WASTE STATISTICS 2022  

Scottish households generated the equivalent of 0.43 tonnes of waste per person in 2022, with 0.19 tonnes recycled, 0.11 tonnes sent to landfill and 0.14 tonnes diverted through other means, such as incineration.  

The total amount of household waste generated was 2.33 million tonnes, a decrease of 148,000 tonnes (6.0%) from 2021. Of this, 43.3% was recycled, a 0.3 percentage point increase from 2021. The recycling figure includes recycling and reuse (657,000 tonnes) and composting (355,000 tonnes).  

LINK TO HOUSEHOLD WASTE STATISTICS    

Carbon impact of Scottish households   

The Scottish carbon metric measures the whole-life impact of resources. A measure of national performance, the metric takes a holistic view, from resource extraction and manufacturing emissions, through to waste management emissions. This is measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).   

The carbon impact of Scottish household waste generated and managed in 2022 was 5.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which equates to 1.02 tonnes of CO2e per person. This was a decrease of 6.1% (357,000 tonnes CO2e) from 2021. 

Waste sent to landfill continues to decrease  

Scottish household waste landfilled in 2022 was 585,000 tonnes, a decrease of 78,000 tonnes (11.7%) from 2021. This continues the long-term downward trend, with a reduction of 868,000 tonnes (59.7%) of household waste landfilled since 2011. 

In 2022, Scotland landfilled 25.1% of the waste generated, down 30.7 percentage points from 2011 when the figure was 55.8%. This comparison allows for the variation in the amount of waste generated. 

Waste recycled and diverted from landfill  

The 2022 recycling rate was 43.3%, up 0.3 percentage points from 2021 and an increase of 3.8 percentage points from the 39.6% achieved in 2011.

The majority was recycled or reused (657,000 tonnes, 65%), with composting contributing the remaining 355,000 (35%).  

The amount of household waste managed by other diversion from landfill was 736,000 tonnes, a decrease of 15,000 tonnes (1.9%) from 2021. Most was managed by incineration (604,000 tonnes, 82.0%). 

What Scotland is recycling – plastic and textiles up, glass and construction & soils down 

The largest material category recycled or reused in 2022 was paper and cardboard (181,000 tonnes, 27.6%). There was a decrease of 2.7% for these materials recycled or reused between 2021 and 2022, which fits with the longer-term downward trend for paper and cardboard, which is down 59,000 tonnes (24.6%) from 2011. 

Of the seven material categories that comprised the highest amount of waste recycled or reused, plastic wastes showed the largest increase (up 3,000 tonnes, 4.2%) followed by textiles (an increase of 2,000 tonnes, 19.0%).   

The largest reductions were glass (a decrease of 10,000 tonnes, 8.1%) followed by construction and soils (a decrease of 9,000 tonnes, 8.6%). 

WASTE FROM ALL SOURCES LANDFILLED AND INCINERATED IN SCOTLAND 2022 

Also published today were statistics providing the details of waste landfilled and incinerated in Scotland for calendar year 2022. The corresponding data set for all waste generated and recycled in Scotland during 2022 will be published in March 2024. 

Total waste landfilled in Scotland  

The total quantity of waste landfilled in Scotland in 2022 was 2.4 million tonnes, a decrease of 631,000 tonnes (21.0%) from 2021. This continues a long-term trend, with a reduction of 4.7 million tonnes (66.4%) since 2005, and is the lowest annual amount on record of waste landfilled since then. 

Most of the decrease was due to a reduction in sorting residues (down 311,000 tonnes or 32.2%) and soils (down 274,000 tonnes or 29.5%). The reduction follows an increase in the landfilling of these wastes in 2021, due to a resumption of economic activity in Scotland following extended lockdowns and other restrictions due to Covid-19. 

The amount of biodegradable municipal disposed to landfill in 2022 was 707,000 tonnes, a decrease of 174,000 tonnes (19.8%) from 2021 and a reduction of 1.3 million tonnes (65.3%) since 2005.  

LINK TO ALL WASTE LANDFILLED     

Waste incinerated in Scotland   

The total quantity of waste incinerated in Scotland in 2022 was 1.42 million tonnes, an increase of 67,000 tonnes (4.9%) from 2021. Sorting residues made up over a third (34.7%) of this (492,000 tonnes, up 42,000 tonnes – 9.4%).   

Over one third (36.4%) of waste incinerated was incinerated by recovery.  This follows the accreditation of an additional two municipal waste incineration facilities to the R1 efficiency standard in 2022, bringing the total number of accredited facilities in Scotland to three. 

LINK TO ALL WASTE INCINERATED     

David Harley, Interim Chief Officer, Circular Economy, said: “Scotland is ambitious for a more circular economy where fewer resources are disposed of and much more are re-used and recycled, creating a range of environmental, economic and societal benefits. We’ve all got a role to play, from the making choices about the resources we use, to how we re-use and recycle – and what we dispose of.

“At SEPA we’re working closely with Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland and Scottish councils to help improve recyclate quality and support Scottish waste infrastructure – these statistics are an important measure of Scotland’s progress towards a circular economy.”

Local government organisation COSLA has welcomed the statistics, claiming it as ‘another success story for Local Government’.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FAILS TO IMPROVE HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING RATES, says FoE

FRIENDS OF THE EARTH SCOTLAND: HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING RATES STAGNATE, AS SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FAILS TO ACT

Waste statistics published today (17 October) show that household recycling levels in Scotland remain stagnant at 43%, with only a 0.3% increase from 2021 to 2022. The amount of waste generated by households has fallen by just 7% in 10 years.

The Scottish Government’s commitment for 70% of all waste to be recycled by 2025 is likely to be missed. At the current rate of progress, household waste will take nearly 100 years to reach 70% recycling. In Wales, recycling rates increased from 45% in 2010-11 to over 65% in 2020-21.

Environmental campaigners have said progress is happening too slowly, and that focus must be put on reducing waste as well as recycling it.

In terms of cutting carbon, it is more important to reduce the total amount of waste than recycling. Not creating waste in the first place means less production and less waste that needs to be dealt with. However, household waste is also not being reduced at the rate that’s needed, having only fallen from 2.6 million tonnes in 2012 to 2.3 million tonnes in 2022.

The figures also show that, for the first time, more household waste is being sent to incineration than landfill. Incinerators contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases from the waste they burn. They also make it more difficult to ensure potentially recyclable material is not wasted instead. Research by Zero Waste Scotland has shown that 60% of residual waste from household bins of could have been recycled.

The Scottish Government introduced the Circular Economy Bill to the Scottish Parliament earlier this year. It aims to create a circular economy in Scotland, where materials are properly valued and cycled around our economy for as long as possible by reducing consumption, and sharing and repairing, as well as recycling.

Kim Pratt, Circular Economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The continued failure of the Scottish Government to improve recycling rates shows that real action is needed to tackle our waste problem.

“The Circular Economy Bill is an opportunity to change the way we use materials in Scotland, but at the moment it’s not strong enough to make a significant impact. It needs to include targets to reduce our consumption. The Scottish Government must be bold and decisive to create the change needed to meet the threat of climate breakdown.

“Recycling is incredibly important for the planet, but moving to a circular economy means more than that. Strong consumption targets would mean policies to encourage producers to make products last for longer, ensure they are easy to repair, choose lower carbon materials, and to shift consumption patterns away from carbon intensive goods and services.”

Tackling the environmental impact of disposable vapes

Zero Waste Scotland delivers Government-commissioned review

Up to 26 million disposable vapes were consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the last year, of which an estimated 10 per cent were littered and more than half were incorrectly disposed of, according to a new report.

The Scottish Government commissioned Zero Waste Scotland to carry out a review of the environmental impact of single use vapes and potential policy options for addressing the problems that they cause.

The review estimates that in the year ending January 2023, there were 543,000 vapers in Scotland – of which 51,000 (9%) were under 16 and 78,000 (14%) were under 18. Most under 18 e-cigarette users prefer single use vapes.

Environmental impacts highlighted by the review include the waste impact of littering; risks associated with unsafe disposal of their contents; and greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption generated in their manufacture.

Total emissions associated with disposable vapes in 2022 are estimated to have been up to 4,292 tonnes CO2e – the equivalent of around 2,100 cars on Scotland’s roads. The lithium batteries used in the most popular disposable vapes could be recharged up to 500 times if the product design allowed.

Lorna Slater, Minister for Circular Economy, Green Skills and Biodiversity said: “This report shows that single use vapes have become a big problem – for our environment, local communities and young people.

“I will take action and will engage with those affected, including young people, over the coming months, with a view to setting out a way forward in the Autumn.

Single use vapes are an issue across the UK, so I have invited Ministers from the other UK governments to meet to discuss the findings of the report and what we can do in response.

“Those who sell single use vapes are already required to take them back for safe disposal, or contribute to the cost of recycling, but this is clearly not happening as it should. I will therefore write to the UK Minister responsible to share our findings and to ask what they will do to ensure these obligations are met.”

The report shortlists nine potential measures to address environmental impacts of single use e-cigarettes, including a ban on sales, regulations to set certain design criteria, and charges to encourage behaviour change or producer fees to offset the environmental costs, such as a levy based on recycling rates. The report assesses the potential of each option for reducing environmental impact and the benefits of multiple measures in combination.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said: “Any form of littering is unacceptable – it damages the environment, economy, and is a blight on the areas where we live, work, and socialise.

“Single use vapes are made up of components which, unless disposed of safely and responsibly, can last on our planet for years and years. And the sight of them, discarded on our streets, is becoming far too common.

“This is why Zero Waste Scotland was happy to lead on this important report. Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority for us and we will continue to work with the Scottish Government in highlighting the huge impact that littering these items has on the environment.”

Zero Waste Scotland report

New electric refuse collection vehicles to hit Edinburgh’s streets

Electric rocked down to Waterfront Avenue yesterday/this morning as the Council’s new Electric Refuse Collection Vehicles (eRCVs) were unveiled for the first time.

The introduction of these eRCVs to the fleet is the first major step to decarbonising the Council’s approximately 200 trucks. These are the first fully electric refuse collection vehicles and will drive forward the Council’s vision for services.

Stopping at Station Square in Granton, Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur, alongside colleagues from waste and cleansing, got a first-hand look at one of the five new eRCVs that will soon be doing the rounds across the city. They also got the chance to inspect an electric mechanical sweeper and electric pedestrian sweeper.

In total the Council already have more than 150 electric vehicles within the fleet, including a large mechanical sweeper, three welfare buses, and over 140 cars and vans.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Enviroment Convener said: “I was delighted to be here today to see the new eRCVs, procured with generous funding from Zero Waste Scotland.

“By introducing these vehicles in exchange for traditional diesel refuse trucks we will see a significant fall in carbon dioxide emissions across our waste services alongside reductions in fuel, servicing, and maintenance costs. These will also be quieter as they carry out services. We also have ambitious plans to electrify our entire fleet of over 400 cars and vans before the end of 2024.

“Unveiling these new eRCVs at Station Square, in the heart of our £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration, is particularly fitting as this will be the blueprint for sustainable urban development and regeneration for Scotland with around 3,500 new net zero carbon homes.

“Changes like these all feed into our wider commitment to becoming a net zero city by 2030, and achieving our other key goals set out in our 2030 Climate Strategy.

“With tomorrow marking Clean Air Day it’s more important than ever that we all play our part in making our city as sustainable as possible and I am proud that as a Council we are taking steps to do so.”

Zero Waste Scotland’s Head of Resource Management, Waste and Recycling, Jane Beasley, said:I’m pleased to see the City of Edinburgh Council take delivery of these new electric refuse collection vehicles, which will help the council cut carbon while delivering its expanded recycling service.

“The Recycling Improvement Fund exists to help councils improve and invest in their recycling and reuse services, helping citizens up and down the country move towards a circular economy, where materials and products are kept in use as long as possible.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them in action across the city.”

Scottish Government commissions urgent review into environmental impact of single-use vapes

Evidence review will inform action

An urgent review of the environmental impacts and management of single-use vapes has been commissioned.

The review, which comes in response to emerging concerns around the negative consequences of the disposable devices, will inform potential policy responses, which could include a ban of the products.

The disposable smoking devices have been linked to issues including litter, plastic waste and fire risk.

Zero Waste Scotland will lead on the review, which will consider international experience and action, including any key developments in the European Union.

Other approaches could include increasing access to responsible disposal options, improved product design or public communications campaigns.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Not only are single-use vapes bad for public health, they are also bad for the environment. From litter on our streets, to the risk of fires in waste facilities, there are issues which need to be addressed urgently.

“We will consider the evidence and expert advice and come forward with policy options, which could include a potential ban on single-use vapes.

“In the meantime, we would urge everyone who uses these products to make sure they are disposed of properly.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Any form of littering is an unacceptable, anti-social behaviour, that is damaging to the environment and the economy.

“Single-use items, like disposable vapes, are becoming an all-too-common eyesore in areas where we live, work, and socialise, and can last in our environment for years and years. Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority here at Zero Waste Scotland and we are happy to lead on this important review.”

Correct disposal of e-cigarettes and vapes:

  • E-cigarettes or vapes should not be thrown away in general waste in order to avoid the risk of fire.
  • E-cigarettes or vapes should be disposed of at small waste electrical and electronic equipment receptacles widely available at household waste recycling centres.
  • If the batteries inside vapes are easily removable, these should be removed and disposed of in battery recycling receptacles.

The Scottish Government is working on a refreshed Tobacco Action Plan, which will be published this Autumn. This will consider a range of interventions with an emphasis on reducing smoking and vaping among children and young people.

Environment and health campaigners have welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement today to review single-use disposable e-cigarettes and their impacts on the environment.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of health charity, ASH Scotland, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government taking rapid action to explore and address the environmental harms of single-use vaping products. The easy availability of disposable e-cigarettes, which are being marketed with bright colours and sweet flavours, is driving a huge rise in children experimenting.

“Nicotine is highly addictive and many disposable vapes include toxic chemicals that have not been safety tested for inhalation and could seriously damage health over time – this is especially worrying for children and young people as their lungs are still growing.”

Climate activist, Laura Young, commented:  “This review, and consideration of a ban cannot come quickly enough as we look to remove these harmful devices from our market. These have no place in a country moving towards Net Zero and a Circular Economy.

“Months of litter picking from streets, parks, and beaches, alongside campaigning efforts speaking to a variety of public health and environmental organisations has pushed this into the focus of the Scottish Government where we hope to see swift action to address the unintended consequences from these products.”

Catherine Gemmell, Scotland Conservation Officer for the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We’re delighted to hear that the Scottish Government is planning a review into a potential ban on disposable vapes after the matter was raised by Gillian Mackay MSP in Holyrood yesterday.

“Thanks to the brilliant work of our Youth Ocean Network member Laura young, known as Less Waste Laura, or the ‘Vape Crusader’, our concerns of the impact of disposable vapes on our ocean are being heard.

“To stop single-use items polluting Scotland’s seas we need to move towards a circular economy where products are repaired, refilled, recharged and reused. We support the call for a ban on disposable vapes, as well as clearer labelling on packaging for how to recycle reusable vapes with a free and easy take back scheme available in every outlet that sells them.”

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, added: “We are currently experiencing a litter emergency that is impacting communities across Scotland.  Cigarette litter in general makes up the biggest chunk of litter we record across Scotland, and we know that single-use vapes are increasing as a new, unnecessary litter type. 

“We are thrilled to hear that Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, has announced a review into their environmental impact.  We will continue to urge the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to ensure action is taken, up to and including a ban on single use vapes to stop this new litter type at source.”

New evidence for low carbon alternative to incineration and landfill

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the findings of a report published by Zero Waste Scotland that shows that biostabilisation, a way of managing waste, has significant carbon savings over incineration and landfill.

Biostabilisation is a treatment method for managing waste where organic material is broken down in a controlled environment. This greatly reduces the carbon emissions from the waste. The report shows that each tonne of waste biostabilised emits the equivalent of 12kg of carbon dioxide, which is 20 times lower than sending that same waste to incineration.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “We know that reducing and recycling are the most important ways of limiting the climate impact of waste.

“The Zero Waste Scotland report shows biostabilisation is a lower carbon option for managing non-recyclable waste compared to incineration or landfill. It adds to the growing body of evidence that incineration must be rapidly phased out if Scotland is to reduce its impact on the climate crisis. Policy makers must now act on the findings of the report and make sure that biostabilisation is economically viable.”

Shlomo Dowen, national coordinator at the UK Without Incineration Network (UKWIN) added: “Zero Waste Scotland has previously shown that incineration is a high-carbon option, and this new report demonstrates that incineration is far worse for the climate than biostabilisation.

“This makes it clear that there is no justification for building any new incineration capacity in Scotland.

“Instead, what we urgently need is an incineration exit strategy that looks to phase out existing burners as we increasingly reduce, reuse and recycle.”

The  landfill ban prohibits all biodegradable waste going to landfill by 31 December 2025. Earlier this year, the Scottish Government committed to an effective moratorium on new incinerators, recognising their huge environmental and health impacts. Incinerators are responsible for some of the largest sources of climate emissions in Scotland.

The 2012 the Waste (Scotland) Regulations acknowledged there are two potential disposal routes for biodegradable waste once landfill is banned: biostabilisation and incineration. However, the same regulations create an artificial economic barrier to biostabilisation by requiring that biostabilised waste must pay the higher rate of landfill tax, whilst incinerator outputs are exempt.

Sustainable new look for Scottish textiles with launch of £2m fund

Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Government have today (Friday 24 June 2022) launched a new £2m fund to help reduce the environmental burden of textiles.

The Circular Textiles Fund will go directly to businesses across the textiles industry in Scotland, from fashion to upholstery.

Textiles have an extremely high environmental impact – with Zero Waste Scotland’s latest Carbon Metric report showing textiles, which make up just four per cent of waste by weight, account for nearly a third (32 per cent) of the carbon impact of Scotland’s household waste.

The Circular Textiles Fund will support innovative projects that have what it takes to be part of Scotland’s circular economy, in which resources are valued and made to last. Applications to the fund can be from individual businesses or represent a collaboration between businesses to achieve the objectives below.

Potential business models include those that:

  • reduce demand for new textiles, such as clothing and textile rental, reuse, and repair services;
  • employ sustainable manufacturing processes;
  • reduce in-life environmental impacts, such as mitigating the pollution from washing textiles and making them easier to reuse and repair; and
  • maximise the amount of textile waste that is captured and recycled.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “As a nation, we need to rethink the way we make, buy, and use products and take action to consume more responsibly. Businesses have a key role to play in facilitating that shift, helping customers make more sustainable purchasing decisions while also contributing to a greener economy.

“With textiles responsible for such a significant chunk of the carbon footprint of Scotland’s household waste it’s vital that we move away from a throwaway approach to products and materials and make things last instead. The Circular Textiles Fund is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to be part of the solution.”

This announcement comes shortly after the Scottish Government launched two public consultations on proposals for a Circular Economy Bill and Route Map to 2025. The consultations form part of strategic plans to deliver Scotland’s zero waste and circular economy ambitions.

Lorna Slater, Circular Economy Minister, said: “Every material that is wasted comes at a cost to our planet, but it’s clear that textiles are having a disproportionate environmental impact.

“From fashion to furniture, there are huge opportunities for businesses with creative ideas to help address that problem. That’s why we are creating the £2million Circular Textiles Fund, which will help businesses in Scotland turn their proposals into reality.

“Alongside our Circular Economy Bill, this will help grow the number of sustainable businesses in Scotland and help prevent textiles from ending up in landfill or incineration.”

Rebekah Chapman, Production Technician at Kalopsia Collective said: “The circular economy is a big deal for Kalopsia and we have worked hard to minimise every aspect of our environmental impact. For us it’s a passion, and it’s one we know is shared by many working in the Scottish textiles sector.

“We’re delighted to help launch the Circular Textiles Fund and look forward to seeing more businesses doing things differently for the future of people and planet.”

Businesses that are interested in applying for the fund must fill out an Expression of Interest form, which can be downloaded from the Zero Waste Scotland website and submitted it to textiles@zerowastescotland.org.uk by 29 July 2022.

Expressions of Interest will be assessed against the criteria and applicants will be notified if they have been invited to stage two by 28 August 2022.

For more information on the details of the fund and how to apply visit circulartextilesfund.scot

Scottish Government launches consultations on Circular Economy

New measures will help cut waste and preserve precious resources

Proposals to help tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by supporting Scotland’s transition to a zero waste and circular economy have been launched.

The measures, designed to significantly increase reuse and recycling rates, and modernise and improve waste and recycling services, are set out in two consultations – on a Circular Economy Bill and a Waste Route Map.

Key proposals include:

  • banning the destruction of unsold goods to ensure that products never end up landfilled or incinerated when they could be used or recycled
  • improving household recycling and reuse services and consulting on separate kerbside collection of textiles by 2025
  • introducing new reporting to show where recycling goes once it has been collected
  • measures to reduce the consumption of problematic single-use items and promote reuse of products
  • new powers to tackle littering from vehicles
  • a mandatory requirement for businesses to report surplus and waste figures for goods such as food and textiles
  • powers to set local recycling targets, reflecting the success of Wales, which has the one of the highest household recycling rates in the world

Scotland’s circular economy targets, outlined in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan, include ending the landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste by 2025, reducing the percentage of all waste sent to landfill to 5% by 2025, and recycling 70% of all waste by 2025.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater launched the consultations on a visit to the Edinburgh Furniture, which is run by the homelessness charity Foursquare.

The charity uses donated furniture to furnish its homeless accommodation and to raise money for its other services. 

Lorna Slater said: “To tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis, we need to rapidly reduce our demand for raw material, increase reuse and repair, and recycle more.

“We must make a circular option the easy option for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector. I want everyone in the country to experience a modern, easy to use waste service that makes it easy for people to do the right thing for the planet.

.

“We are already taking action, including delivering Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme and our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund, but we know we need to move faster if we are to meet our climate obligations.

“It requires us to be bold, brave, and focused on delivering the actions needed – and this must be a collective effort.

“These consultations set out the key proposed actions and the tools we will put in place to help everyone play their part in cutting waste in our economy, capitalising on the economic opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses.

“The Circular Economy Bill will give us the powers to cut waste in our economy, while preserving precious resources and protecting our natural environment.”

Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland Iain Gulland said: “Today marks a tremendous step in Scotland’s transition towards a circular economy. “For years, Zero Waste Scotland has championed and helped usher in a more circular economy to reduce over-consumption.

“By supporting Scottish citizens, communities and businesses, through funding and tailored advice we are working hard to implement more sustainable ways of living.

“The Circular Economy Bill includes measures and approaches that will further cement and support the strides we’re making and crucially, it is a step in the right direction to end our contribution to the climate crisis.

“I encourage everyone in Scotland to take part in these vital consultations.”

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the move and are calling for strong targets to reduce the global extraction of resources supplying the Scottish economy, and measures to change the way materials are used in Scotland.

A circular economy is when materials are reused and recycled as much as possible before new resources are taken from nature, as opposed to our current linear ‘take, make, dispose’ model.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Over-consumption by the wealthy few is pushing our whole planet to breaking point.

“Our current economic system, built on the idea of unlimited growth, is driving climate breakdown and leading to global material supply disruptions – it can’t go on. We need to reduce our reliance on new materials by changing our economic consumption patterns.

“The Scottish Government has made some really encouraging suggestions in the Circular Economy Bill. We need circularity to be embedded throughout government and Scotland’s economic sectors for it to be as effective as possible. The commitment to regular reviews and the creation of a circular economy public body are welcome.

“This new organisation needs to be independent of government and adequately funded. Creating a circular economy will require a step change in the scale and rate of change, based on strong leadership and collaboration. Now is the time to be bold.

“Targets to reduce both Scotland’s carbon footprint and material footprints need to be at the heart of the Circular Economy Bill to create real change, so it’s great to see that these have been prioritised in the bill. We must reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint to zero by 2050 to ensure Scotland contributes its fair share to global climate mitigation. Scotland’s material footprint must more than halve by 2050.”

Scotland’s material footprint was 18 tonnes per person in 2017, which is higher than the EU average (14 tonnes per person). Experts suggest that we can live sustainable, high quality lives with eight tonnes per person, by moving to a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled as much as possible.

82% of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from the products and services we buy. Over half these emissions are due to imported goods but these are not included in Scotland’s climate targets. This means the environmental and social damage caused overseas by demand for goods in Scotland is virtually invisible at the moment, which is stopping it from being tackled.

The Scottish Government launched a review on waste targets at the same time as the consultation on the circular economy bill. The waste targets consultation is a key part of rapid system change required in Scotland.

Coffee cup charge plans re-introduced

Campaigners call for more ambition

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater has announced the formation of an advisory group that will shape plans for mandatory charges on coffee cups and other single-use disposable beverage containers.

Work to tackle single-use cup waste is re-starting, having been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The charge is expected to come into effect during the course of this parliament.

The group will contain representatives from every stage of the supply chain – from manufacturers and distributors through small and large retailers – as well as consumer groups, environmental NGOs, equalities groups and academics.

Charging for single-use cups will help encourage people to make the move to reusable alternatives and support the shift to a more circular economy.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Single-use coffee cups are a classic example of the throwaway culture that we are taking action to tackle. 

“Lots of people already carry a reusable cup with them, but hundreds of millions of single-use cups are still being wasted every single year.

“Evidence shows that a small charge on single-use cups can be hugely effective in encouraging people to switch to a reusable alternative.

“I look forward to working with experts representing business, the environment and consumers to take forward this important measure. Alongside Scotland’s deposit return scheme, which will recycle nearly two billion bottles and cans every year, and our action to ban some of the most problematic single-use plastics, this will make a vital contribution to reducing the amount of waste generated in the country.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Single-use items, like cups, are emblematic of the throwaway culture we need to change if we want to tackle the climate crisis.

“We know there’s an appetite for action on such items, with a recent Zero Waste Scotland survey indicating that 66 per cent of Scots would support introducing charges to limit the use of single-use plastic and packaging.

“Switching to reusable over single-use is one of the best things we can all do for the environment, so it’s hugely welcome news that work to shape a chargeable cup scheme is continuing with the formation of an advisory group.”

Campaigners are calling for more ambition, however. Friends of the Earth Scotland point out that disposable cups are a small part of Scotland’s overall material footprint. Scotland consumed 100 million tonnes of materials in 2017, and must reduce this by 57% to become environmentally sustainable.

Removing disposable cups completely would be less than 0.01% (4,000 tonnes) of the change that is needed.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “Disposable cups are a symbol of our linear economy that we need to move away from, but we simply do not have the time to change our economy one product at a time.

“The Scottish Government must go further and faster on this, and it needs to use the charge introduction to learn lessons that can be applied more widely.

“Over-consumption is causing the climate crisis, and changing our culture of consumption is a key part of the solution. The Circular Economy Bill, which is being consulted on by the Scottish Government in May, is a vital opportunity to make the whole system change that is needed.”

82% of Scotland’s carbon footprint relates to material consumption. From buildings and transport to food and clothing, we use materials in a linear way: extracting raw materials, making them into products, using them (sometimes only once) and throwing them away to be burnt or buried.

Cutting our material consumption to sustainable levels will support Scotland to reach its climate goals.