This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Local communities key to recycling success
17/06/2003
More effective re-use and recycling of waste will require a fundamental shift in the way Scottish householders dispose of their refuse, a report concludes today.
The Separate Waste Collection Systems Best Practice report outlines new approaches and good practice for local authorities to adopt to develop segregated kerbside collection schemes.
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said that extending the separation of waste for kerbside collection - one of the targets of the Executive's ambitious National Waste Plan published in February - could only be effective through greater public understanding and a shift in attitudes.
Mr Finnie said:
"This report is an important step towards developing the tough environmental agenda which is at the core of this Executive. The report's recommendations will be a useful tool for local authorities when setting up their own separate kerbside collections.
"The implementation of separate kerbside collections will play an important role in contributing to our target of recycling and composting 25 per cent of municipal waste by 2006.
"We all have to come to terms with the fact that waste and how we dispose of it effects us all. It is essential that all Scots recognise that good practice in handling waste is a responsibility that begins in the home.
"This report makes a vital contribution in bringing about the kind of sustainable behaviour we must all adopt."
The report was based on a total of 44 case studies, which allowed six separate waste collection scenarios to be developed to suit the particular geographical conditions and household types present in Scotland.
The report can be accessed at:
The Scottish Executive Central Research Unit commissioned Enviros to undertake a scoping study into separate waste collection systems.
The main aim of the study's research was to provide information, new ideas, approaches and good practice guidance for the development of separate household waste collections by Scotland's 32 local authorities.