Fund Released by Zero Waste Scotland to Help Small Businesses Step Up Recycling
26 January 2012 - The Zero Waste Scotland initiative has today launched a support fund to make it easier for small businesses to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions that will enable easier compliance to proposed new government regulations that are due to take effect.
Up to four projects will receive funding in the pilot phase of the fund, entailing an initial investment of up to £50,000. Further funding could become available at a later date if these pilot projects prove successful.
The New Zero Waste Regulations proposed by the Scottish Government will require all businesses in Scotland to sort and present key recyclable materials for separate collection by 2013.
This includes separate collections for glass, paper and card, plastics and metals. Businesses with over 50 employees in the food industry will need an additional separate food waste collection by 2013, and those with fewer employees will need to comply by 2015.
Experts say that by collecting larger quantities of recyclable waste materials together in one place, or by businesses joining forces to contract one waste manager to provide their collections, they stand to make financial savings, increase their recycling rates and reduce their environmental impact.