Scotland produces over 3.3 million tonnes of municipal waste each year, of which over 2.6 million tonnes are collected from households. To tackle this problem in a way that meets the needs of the present without affecting future generations means changing our behaviour and our attitudes to waste.The National Waste Strategy sets out a framework within which
Scotland
can reduce the amount of waste it produces and deal with the waste that is produced in a more sustainable way. It covers all household, commercial and industrial waste.
The National Waste Plan is the keystone to implementing the National Waste Strategy. Launched by SEPA and the Scottish Executive in February 2003, this document outlines how we can achieve increased levels of recycling and an overall reduction in the amount of waste we produce by 2020. Its publication followed extensive research and consultation by SEPA in partnership with local authorities, the waste industry and community groups.
More than 85% of the waste produced in
Scotland
is sent directly to landfill – a massive misuse of resources and a major source of greenhouse and other gases. The National Waste Plan aims to reduce this practice and outlines how we can work towards a culture of reducing, reusing and recycling our rubbish. It sets out the best practicable environmental option (BPEO) for municipal waste for each of 11 Waste Strategy Areas and describes actions at a national level to improve the management of non-municipal solid waste.
The National Waste Plan brings together Area Waste Plans for the different Waste Strategy Areas. The Scottish Executive has allocated over £350 million to the Strategic Waste Fund to help local authorities develop the infrastructure needed to implement these plans.
Almost 13% of
Scotland
’s municipal waste is currently recycled or composted. The National Waste Plan sets a target of recycling or composting 25% of the waste collected by local authorities by 2006, and 55% by 2020. A range of activities in local communities across the country is helping
Scotland
move towards meeting these targets, with over a million Scottish households now benefiting from a kerbside recycling service.
Another cornerstone of the National Waste Plan is the expansion of existing markets for recycled materials and the development of new ones. ReMaDe Scotland and WRAP are working hard to take forward these markets to help recycling become viable and reduce costs.
Providing funding and facilities is not the whole story. Changing public attitudes to waste and resource use issues is crucial to the success of the National Waste Plan. The Waste Aware Scotland campaign supports the Plan’s implementation. Local campaigns are being matched to real infrastructure on the ground, providing the public with a direct means for taking action.
