Drive aims to reduce waste

PEOPLE across Edinburgh are being urged to take part in a Europe-wide drive to reduce the amount of waste produced.

Running from November 20-28, the European Week for Waste Reduction 2010 takes place across the continent and aims to raise awareness of what individuals and companies can do to reduce waste by making simple changes to everyday behaviour.

In 2008, Scotland produced 19.5 million tonnes of waste - enough to fill Edinburgh's International Climbing Arena at Ratho five times over in a single day.

Yiva Haglund, of Zero Waste Scotland, said: "We're delighted that so many organisations and groups have already signed up for this year's European Week for Waste Reduction.

"We hope that many more will join in by organising an action or event in Edinburgh."