The Scottish Government have launched the £70m Recycling Improvement Fund to improve recycling infrastructure across Scotland.

The five-year fund aims to accelerate progress towards Scotland’s ambitious waste and recycling targets and net zero commitment. It is one of the biggest single investments by the Scottish Government in recycling infrastructure to date. It will provide Local Authorities the opportunity to take forward projects that increase both the quality and quantity of recycling whilst delivering wider environmental benefits.

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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.”