New regulations introduced in Scotland mean that businesses and public sector organisations must now separate recyclable materials for collection.
Under the Waste (Scotland) Regulations, from 1 January 2014, businesses must separate paper, card, plastic, metals and glass for recycling.
All food businesses that produce over 50kg of food waste per week must present it for separate collection unless they are located in a rural area.
Scottish 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 to 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.”
