IN MY VIEW

IN just over a decade Scotland has made massive inroads in recycling, going from just 4% to over 40%.

Local authorities’ kerbside collections have evolved in that time.

In recent years there has been the rolling out of food recycling, which has been very successful.

Food and glass are the recyclable material that stays in Scotland, while 70% is exported to markets south of the Border, Europe and the Far East.

We hope to keep more here and strengthen the Scottish economy.

By exporting recyclables we are also exporting jobs.

People doing the right thing for the environment also means doing the right thing for the economy.

Local authorities’ differing collections is a matter for them.

However, our Charter for Household Recycling, developed last year, has been signed by half of Scotland’s 32 councils and will offer a more consistent approach for the uplift of waste.

Studies from Europe suggest improving rates comes down to offering more carrot than stick.