Scottish recycling rate hits record high, new SEPA figures reveal
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HOUSEHOLDS in the north-east and across Scotland are recycling more than ever, new figures have revealed.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published the Scottish Waste From All Sources 2022 official Statistics, which provide details on waste from Scottish households, businesses and public services.
Scotland generated 10.16 million tonnes of waste, with 62.3 per cent recycled - the highest recycling rate recorded since the start of the current series in 2011.
This data reflects the increase in the proportion of construction and demolition waste, as the construction industry rebounded following the pandemic.
Scots also continued to reduce their reliance on landfill – with 23.2 per cent of all wastes ending up in landfill, for an all-time low figure of 2.30 million tonnes.
Supporting the shift from landfill is the small but significant role played by energy from waste (incineration) facilities, which saw an 8.3 per cent increase in Scottish waste being treated by incineration in 2022.
Vicki White, Head of Materials at SEPA said: “The fact that Scots are recycling more than ever before is great news, with our highest recycling rate on record.
“The latest data not only shows we’re recycling more and landfilling less, but also that Scottish businesses are continuing to respond to consumers who are continuing to call for less waste and greater resource efficiency.
“Whilst its clear there’s more to do, this latest data is both encouraging and a key milestone in our journey to a more resource efficient, net zero economy.”
A key to driving Scotland’s recycling performance is the construction and demolition sector, which saw a further recovery from the pandemic in the latest SEPA data.
