The Scottish Government has awarded almost £350,000 to fund a recycling project within Renfrewshire.
The money will be used to create a system to differentiate waste in a more comprehensive way that will ensure more material is available for recycling and reducing waste going to landfill with its associated costs.
And the cash boost has been welcomed by Paisley’s MSP, George Adam, who said: “We all know the importance of recycling in order to reduce waste going to landfill and the associated environmental and financial costs.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
“The Scottish Government is continuing with its environmental aims and has funded millions in to projects that will provide long term benefit for Scotland.
“I am particularly happy that Renfrewshire Council has been awarded this funding after showing the benefits of the project for the community and Renfrewshire.”
The funding is thanks to more than £3.4 million of investment from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund.
The projects in Aberdeen City, Perth and Kinross and Renfrewshire Council have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by over 8,000 tonnes each year – the equivalent of taking more than 4,400 cars off the road – and brings the total investment announced to date to over £23 million.
Fifteen local authorities have now benefited from the fund, which will be worth £70 million over five years.
Renfrewshire was awarded £346,107 in the latest round of funding.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Recycling has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to the climate crisis. Our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund is delivering one of the biggest investments in recycling and reuse in Scotland in a generation.
“Hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland will benefit from projects supported by the fund, which will make it easier for households to recycle and increase local recycling rates.
“In August 2023, we are introducing the UK’s first deposit return scheme for drinks containers, which will recycle nearly two billion bottles and cans every single year.
“And we have set out further proposals to increase reuse and recycling rates, and modernise waste and recycling services, in our live consultations on a Circular Economy Bill and a Waste Route Map.
“These actions will boost recycling and make a major contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.”
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland added: “This latest round of Recycling Improvement Fund investment from the Scottish Government signifies the continuous commitment to improving Scotland’s recycling infrastructure. Through our Charter for Household Recycling, councils have pledged to bring in consistent and comprehensive recycling services across Scotland.
“It’s fantastic to see support for such innovative projects that will help achieve this goal. Recycling as much as possible will help to address climate change, so we want to make this process as simple, and effective, as possible for the citizens of Scotland.”
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
