New waste regulations for Scotland unveiled

The Waste (Scotland) Regulations require waste to be separated into paper, card, plastic, metals and glass for collection.

All food businesses producing more than 50kg of food waste each week must present it for separate collection, unless they are in a rural area.

Those failing to comply with the new laws from 1 January risk a maximum fine of £10,000.

The Scottish government, with its agency Zero Waste Scotland, recommends businesses should audit waste to see where most of it comes from, and contact their waste contractors about how best to arrange separate collections.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “In introducing the Waste (Scotland) Regulations this January, we’re taking a significant step toward delivering our vision of a zero waste Scotland.

“Our waste can be a valuable resource – but only when it is properly managed. These important regulations will help change the way we regard our waste, and it is my belief that a positive shift in attitude will deliver environmental and financial benefits for all of us.

“We all have responsibilities when it comes to waste, not least the Scottish business community. Without their support, Scotland will not meet its zero waste ambitions. With just two days to go before the new regulations come into force, I’d encourage all businesses to get ready for the changes coming in.”

Liz Gyekye