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Zero Waste
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Use the links below to find out about Renfrewshire and Zero Waste.
Zero Waste
The waste being produced in Scotland is increasing by around 1% per year, and the Scottish Government has set even tougher targets to reduce waste going to landfill in the future.
| Year | % waste recycled or composted |
| 2010 | 40% |
| 2013 | 50% |
| 2020 | 60% |
| 2025 | 70% |
Our success in meeting these targets depends on the level of public support and participation in recycling. Some waste can't be recycled and other material needs treatment before it can be recycled. We will be working with our residents, neighbouring councils and other partners to meet future targets.
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Zero Waste Plan
Scotland's Zero Waste Plan sets out the Scottish Government's vision for a zero waste society. This vision describes a Scotland where all waste is seen as a resource; waste is minimised; valuable resources are not disposed of in landfills and most waste is sorted, leaving only limited amounts to be treated.
To achieve this vision the plan sets out radical new measures, including:
- Development of a Waste Prevention Programme for all wastes, ensuring the prevention and reuse of waste is central to all our actions and policies
- Landfill bans for specific waste types therefore reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and capturing the value from these resources
- Separate collections of specific waste types, including food, to avoid contaminating other materials, increasing reuse and recycling opportunities and contributing to our renewable energy targets
- Two new targets that will apply to all waste: 70% target recycled, and maximum 5% sent to landfill both by 2025
- Restrictions on the input to all energy from waste facilities, in the past only applicable to municipal waste, therefore encouraging greater waste prevention, reuse and recycling
- Encouraging local authorities and the resource management sector to establish good practice commitments and work together to create consistent waste management services
- Improved information on different waste sources, types and management highlighting further economic and environmental opportunities
- Measure the carbon impacts of waste to prioritise the recycling of resources which offer the greatest environmental and climate change outcomes
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What can I do today?
Why not become a Zero Waste Scotland volunteer and help your local community. Volunteers help their communities reduce waste and save money by delivering support and advice about Love Food Hate Waste, Recycle Now, home composting, litter, reuse and other activities that relate to each of our daily lives. Why not take action today and become part of Scotland's movement to meet these world-leading zero waste targets. To find out more visit: www.zerowastescotland.org.uk or contact Karen Gilligan the Zero Waste Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Renfrewshire area, on the details below:
- email: karen.gilligan@kibble.org
- phone: 0141 889 0044.
Reduce
If you don't create any waste, you don't have to manage it later. That's why waste prevention is the ideal environmental option. Waste prevention involves changing the way we design, make, buy and use products to reduce the amount that gets thrown away. Here are some ways to do this:
- don't buy over packaged goods
- buy in bulk and choose loose fruit and vegetables
- take your own shopping bags and say no to extra ones
- avoid disposable products like razors, plastic or paper cups and disposable cameras
- use rechargeable batteries and long life energy saving light bulbs
- don't use cling film and aluminium foil to wrap food - use boxes with lids instead
- remove your name from junk mail lists
- compost your kitchen and garden waste.
Reuse
Another way to reduce the amount of waste in your bin is to reuse items when you can
- do you have to throw away that old or broken item? could you repair it or use it for something else?
- save glass jars, plastic bottles, cartons and boxes for storage
- reuse gift wrap, string, envelopes and carrier bags
- use the other side of paper for notes, shopping lists, etc
- give reusable furniture, computers and white goods (fridges) away to local charities or community projects
- give unwanted clothes and toys to charity shops and comics, books, DVDs, CDs and computer games to second hand shops, school fetes and libraries
Useful links
- Project OsKar - Re-use centre in Renfrewshire
- Charities - list of charities in Renfrewshire
Recycle
By recycling your waste you can help to:
- save the earth's natural resources
- save energy and reduce the risk of global warming, and
- reduce the need to landfill waste.
- recycle now
- You can recycle items at the councils various recycling facilities, and through the council's kerbside recycling scheme.
Contact us
- email am-serv.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 842 4448
