More Scots firms recycling thanks to new rules

More Scottish firms are recycling following the introduction of the new regulations. Picture: Contributed

Since the start of the year businesses have been required to separate all waste metal, plastic and card for recycling.

The Every Can Counts programme, which focuses on recycling aluminium, said it has helped hundreds of Scottish organisations become compliant with the regulations.

A survey of 1,000 businesses found 72% have implemented the regulations and 91% have set future targets, an increase from last year when 68% of businesses said they were setting recycling targets.

Andrew McFarlan, programme manager for Every Can Counts in Scotland, said: “Great progress has been made in the past year in getting Scotland’s businesses to meet the requirements of the Waste (Scotland) Regulations. However, our research suggests there is still work to be done.

“During our first 18 months in Scotland Every Can Counts has already helped more than 600 businesses to adapt to the new regulations by making it easier to start, or increase the recycling of drinks cans.

“As awareness of the regulations increases we want to help even more business across the country to work towards compliance with Scotland’s future sustainability targets.”