Government unveils first ever Zero Waste Plan

21 Aug '09

4 min read

Councillor John Laing, Chairman of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee, for Highland Council, said: "We are delighted the Cabinet Secretary has launched this ambitious plan in Inverness. Highland Council is committed to improving its recycling rates and we aim to reach a recycling rate of 50 per cent by 2013. We welcome a Zero Waste Plan and hope all will make the most of this consultation phase and have their say."

The consultation asks for comments on a number of questions on key areas of delivery. The final version of the plan will be published in 2010.

As well as outlining the Scottish Government's priorities and polices in relation to waste, the plan, when finalised, will comply with the requirement in Article 28 of the revised Waste Framework Directive for Member States to have a waste management plan. It will also comply with the requirement in Article 29 for Member States to have a waste prevention programme.

Scotland landfilled 1.26 million tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste. Scotland continues to meet the EU target of landfilling no more than 1.32 million tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste by 2010.

Key Scottish targets on the recycling/composting of municipal waste are:
- 40 per cent by 2010
- 50 per cent by 2013
- 60 per cent by 2020
- 70 per cent by 2025

The draft plan also proposes targets in relation to other forms of waste.

The Cabinet Secretary visited a Rok construction site in Inverness prior to the launch to see construction recycling in action. Rok is a nation wide construction company, based in local communities, who are firmly committed to promoting and achieving high standards of environmental performance. Rok have signed the WRAP pledge to halve all construction waste to landfill.

Viridor supplied all wood and glass props for the launch and demonstrated how materials can be reused and recycled. Viridor is one of the leading resource and waste management companies and currently work with more than 80 local authorities across the UK and thousands of private customers.

The Scottish Government

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