Increasing recycling and reuse of resources

Proposals to increase reuse and recycling and cut waste are being put forward as part of a consultation.

They seek to give councils more tools to improve household recycling rates and prevent people from placing items in the wrong bins.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “We have already made good progress across Scotland, significantly reducing the amount of waste we generate and landfill, but we need to go further if reusing and recycling goods is to become the default choice for households, businesses and the public sector.”

The second consultation on the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map is available on the Scottish Government website and will run until 15 March. It takes on board the feedback from the initial consultation in 2022, including the ask to consult on the key priorities. The final Route Map is scheduled to be published later in 2024.

An environmental report has been published alongside the Route Map, covering findings on the likely environmental implications arising from the Route Map’s proposals.

The proposed priorities included in the Route Map are to:

• reduce food waste from households and businesses.

• significantly improve recycling from households and businesses.

• embed circular construction practices – including the development of regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets.

You can read more about this here.