The proposed Zero Waste Regulations call for paper and card, glass, metals, and plastics to be collected separately from businesses, as well as outlining mandatory food waste collections for businesses involved in food production, retail or preparation.
Scottish firms could save up to £2bn by adopting simple resource efficiency measures and a recent study identified that £64m could be saved by cutting food waste in the hospitality sector alone.
“These regulations will mean a steep change in the way businesses manage their waste, and importantly give a net benefit for the Scottish economy,” said Iain Gulland, director of Zero Waste Scotland.
“However, businesses can benefit even more by working with us to reduce waste and resource use in the first place. We are supporting Scottish businesses to reduce waste and save money by ensuring they get the most out from the raw materials, packaging, existing stock, and other resources they buy and use.
“We are already investing £4m this year to support food waste collections from homes and businesses. Last week we announced investment of £500,000 in two innovation funds focussed on waste prevention and new recycling technologies.”
Positive example
MacSweens of Edinburgh are an example of a small business working in the food production sector who have already taken steps to reduce waste and they are now 90 per cent landfill free.
Company director James Macsween said: “Our efforts to reduce waste as far as possible and recycle wherever we can is saving our business around £4,000 each year so far.
“We are continuing to look for innovative ways to save money through waste management. By separating recyclable waste on-site, we even save money on our waste disposal costs."
Zero Waste Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government, working with businesses, communities, individuals and local authorities to help them reduce waste, recycle more and use resources sustainably. More information can be found at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk.