Scotland aiming for consistent recycling

A charter is to be introduced in Scotland with the goal of making it easier for people to recycle by being more consistent.
The household recycling charter is the key recommendation from the Zero Waste Taskforce, which is a joint initiative between Scottish Ministers and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
It is intended that consistent recycling systems and communications would be introduced across Scotland to make it easier for people to recycle.
Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I want to make it easier for people to recycle. Presently, there are a variety of different systems for collecting paper, glass, plastics, food waste and general waste across Scotland – you can go from one local authority to the bordering local authority and find different systems.
“While this is often the case for sound local reasons, as people move between different parts of Scotland, it can lead to materials becoming contaminated and losing value, fetching lower prices and simultaneously increasing the costs for to councils for sorting and cleaning.
“More consistent systems will allow councils to work together more efficiently, save money and cut down confusion over what can be recycled where.” If agreed by council leaders later in the summer, all local authorities will be invited to sign up to the charter.