Scotland on track to meet modest recycling targets

The Scottish Parliament has released figures showing the country is likely to recycle 25% of domestic waste by 2006, the self-imposed target set in its National Waste Plan.


The figures show a steady rise in recycling but fail to conceal the fact that Scotland still has one of the lowest recycling rates in Western Europe.

The statistics show a rise in recycling of municipal waste from 16.6% in April-June 2004 to 23.9% this the same quarter this year.

The bulk of the increase is put down to improved recycling facilities for householders.

Scottish Environment Minister Ross Finnie said: “The Scottish Executive’s Strategic Waste Fund has made it easier for householders to recycle/compost waste through new facilities provided by Local Authorities.

“Householders in return have responded positively to that opportunity.

“We are making good progress towards our 2006 target of 25% but we cannot rest on our laurels.

“The Scottish Executive, Local Authorities and individual householders must continue to work together in order to achieve our ambitious 30% target for 2008.”

By Sam Bond

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