A MULTI-MILLION pound investment has been announced for recycling in Scotland by the Scottish Government.
The five-year £70m Recycling Improvement Fund has been announced to improve recycling infrastructure across Scotland.
The Scottish Government is aiming to reach a national target of 70% recycling rate by 2025 and is now urging local authorities to apply to the fund which opens next week.
It is one of the biggest single investments by the Scottish Government in recycling infrastructure to date.
The Government is hoping the latest investment will accelerate Scotland’s pace to meeting recycling targets and net zero commitment.
The first phase of Expressions of Interest will open during the week commencing 22 March 2021.
Environment and Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Our aim is for Scotland to be a zero waste society with a circular economy based on good, green jobs. We will continue to lead by example as we head towards COP26 in Glasgow.
“While we have made significant long-term improvements on recycling, we need to accelerate progress if we are to meet Scotland’s ambitious recycling and climate change targets.
“This is vital to our green recovery and to put an end to our contribution to climate change.
“The Recycling Improvement Fund offers an opportunity for national and local government and the waste sector to continue our partnership to reinvigorate improvements in recycling across the country, and make it easier for households to make the right choices.
“The fund will help local authorities to take forward projects that tackle key challenges and increase recycling performance in their area.
“We’re also keen to see new ideas from local authorities that can ensure our recycling infrastructure keeps pace with the modern economy.
“For example, the growth in waste electrical equipment and the role re-use and repair can play, or broader changes in household behaviours which affect the volume and types of waste managed by local authorities.
“In addition, planned changes, such as the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme, will mean our recycling infrastructure will need to innovate and modernise in the years ahead, ensuring we continue to be bold world leaders in creating a more circular economy.”
The funding will give local authorities the opportunity to take forward projects that increase both the quality and quantity of recycling whilst delivering wider environmental benefits.
This could include promoting waste prevention or reuse, improving the consistency of collections, collecting problematic materials such as electrical items, improving sorting and treatment infrastructure, or introducing new low-carbon technologies.
Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland Iain Gulland said: “Zero Waste Scotland is proud to be working with the Scottish Government and local authorities to deliver one of the country’s most exciting and ambitious recycling, reuse and waste prevention programmes in our history, which will improve services and infrastructure for people across the country.
“I’m really looking forward to applications from local authorities for ideas to develop their infrastructure.
“This fund will be transformational in helping our communities embrace a circular economy, where materials and products are kept in use for as long as possible, and where new economic opportunities and social benefits flourish.”
