£70 million set aside for green economic growth
The Scottish Government has earmarked £70 million to boost green economic growth.
As part of its plan to help economic recovery after coronavirus, it has set aside the money for improved waste and recycling infrastructure.
It is one of a number of schemes planned to help increase recycling and build a “circular economy”.
These include Scotland’ s Deposit Return Scheme, which is expected to capture 90 per cent of single-use aluminium and steel cans, glass and plastic bottles, and the introduction of legislation to increase the minimum price of carrier bags from 5p to 10p.
Announcing the investment to mark Recycle Week, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham reminded people in Scotland of the importance of recycling to the country’s green recovery.
Ms Cunningham said: “Long-term initiatives to tackle our throw away culture and encourage a circular economy – helping people to reduce, reuse and recycle –are vital to our green recovery and ensuring we end Scotland’s contribution to climate change completely.
“It is heartening to see that carbon emissions from Scotland’s waste have reached a record low – an achievement only possible by everyone doing their bit. By recycling more, we can reduce this and with 80 per cent of our carbon footprint coming from products and materials we use, there is more we can do.
“I would enc our age people and communities to get involved with this year’s Recycle Week. By working together, we can all do our bit to improve the environment.”