Scotlands Recycling Rates See Gradual Rise

31 August 2011

Figures released this week show that Scotland's local authorities recycled over 38 percent of the municipal waste they collected between April 2010 and March 2011

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) calculates the figures from data provided by local authorities on behalf of the Scottish Government, and releases the figures four times a year.

In 2010/11 38.2 percent of municipal waste collected by local authorities was recycled or composted, compared to 36.7 percent in 2009/10.

Also revealed are further drops in:

• total amount of municipal waste collected by local authorities (down 56,074 tonnes to 3,141,202);

• municipal waste going to landfill (down 90,793 tonnes to 1,844,333);

• the tonnage of biodegradable municipal waste, such as garden and food waste, which is being sent to landfill (down 58,694 tonnes to 1,103,956).

Adrian Bond, SEPA's Operations Waste Unit Manager, said: "Today's figures are another step in the right direction and our recycling and composting figures continue to make steady progress year on year. However, while it is a positive indicator of progress, it is essential we continue our efforts to minimise waste growth and maximise recycling if we are to meet our aims of moving towards a zero waste Scotland."

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Darrel Moore