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Glasgow is Worst for Recycling Rubbish Less Than 10-Per Cent of Waste is Reused Says New Report

Posted on: Wednesday, 24 August 2005, 15:00 CDT

GLASGOW has the worst waste recycling rates in Scotland, according to new figures.

A report by the Scottish Environment Protection agency shows only 9.4-per cent of waste was recycled in the Glasgow area from last year, compared with 15.6-per cent in Edinburgh, 26.5-per cent in Dundee and 27.5-per cent in Stirling.

Patrick Harvie, the Green MSP for the city, said: "It is disgraceful Glasgow still has the worst level of recycling."

Earlier this year Mr Harvie was drawn into a row with Glasgow City Council over waste recycling targets.

The MSP rubbished the council's claims that it is becoming a "recycling champion" and accused it of "shameless propaganda" over an article in a council magazine sent to householders.

Quoting figures from the independent watchdog, Audit Scotland, he revealed that the council's level of recycling rose from 6.2-per cent in 2002-03 to 6.3-per cent last year.

That's against an Executive target of 25-per cent of waste to be recycled or composted by next year, which Mr Harvie said the council had told him it was unable to meet.

Adrian Bond, central waste team manager for Sepa, says greater public education about recycling is the key to improving rates.

He said: "Sepa has put together a waste strategy for each city, including Glasgow, on how household waste can be better managed.

"The Executive is also funding new equipment and programmes such as kerbside collections but there is no doubt that there is a need for greater public awareness about recycling."

Glasgow has launched a pilot scheme across city tenements aimed at encouraging residents to recycle plastic, cans and paper.

A spokeswoman said:

"Glasgow City Council actively promotes and encourages recycling and provides a number of multi-purpose recycling sites throughout the city to ensure high standards of public health are encouraged."

Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)

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