A new initiative has begun in Shetland to look at new ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recover wastes, potentially bringing economic as well as environmental benefits to the Islands.

The Shetland Islands Area Waste Group involves Shetland Islands Council, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), local businesses and a number of local voluntary organisations involved in community work and waste issues throughout the Islands.

The Group is preparing an Area Waste Plan which will outline the best options for dealing with Shetland?s wastes. The aim is to encourage local innovation in making more effective use of materials currently considered as waste, and implementing more efficient ways of dealing with wastes. This could bring benefits for Shetland communities, through potential employment, commercial opportunity and environmental improvement.

This is all part of the National Waste Strategy - Scotland, which SEPA is taking forward throughout Scotland. Shetland is one of 11 areas covering the whole of Scotland where local Groups are taking a strategic look at waste issues. They will set up 25 year plans to achieve the best solution for dealing with waste in their areas.

Angus MacKay of SEPA, who has been appointed as Co-ordinator for this project in Shetland, said
" Shetland has always been known as a resourceful community and we hope to be able to tap into these skills in implementing an Area Waste Plan which will benefit the islands and satisfy the requirements of environmental law. Shetland Islands Council has developed a Waste Disposal Plan and a Recycling Plan, but the Group will wish to investigate the opportunities to develop new initiatives and attract possible funding and external support.

"The group would like to involve local communities at all levels of the project and wants to see Shetland lead the way in the development of sustainable waste management in island communities."

For further information contact Angus MacKay SEPA Dingwall Office 01349 862021 or Dave Okill SEPA Shetland Office 01595 696926