Recycling boost for Scottish regions

The Scottish Executive has stepped up its commitment to recycling with a £49 million grant for the Highlands and Islands and a £31 million fund for Midlothian.


Both the Midlothian and the Highlands and Islands funds will provide for a range of recycling initiatives, including kerbside services for households, education and awareness programmes, and 400 new recycling banks for communities of more than 100 households.

The funding aims to deliver 25% recycling and composting in Midlothian by 2006, and 18% in the Highlands and Islands.

Environment Minister Ross Finnie said: “Our National Waste Plan, which we are backing with significant resources, is beginning to show a real difference on the ground. Every month, recycling becomes easier for Scots with new and improved kerbside facilities, recycling bins and other services being provided across the country.”

“By providing this substantial long term funding we are helping councils meet their targets for waste minimisation, recycling and reduction in landfill. We are determined to provide Scots with much more sustainable ways of managing their waste.”

The National Waste Plan was published on February 2003 and sets out the Executive’s targets for sustainable waste management until 2020. Over £230 million has been invested in the Strategic Waste Fund over a three year period.

By David Hopkins

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe