DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer:
Councils must help deliver Scotland’s circular economy goals by improving recycling, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices. This includes working with the Scottish Government to implement local recycling targets, co-designing an updated national Code of Practice for household recycling, and enforcing measures such as tackling fly-tipping and littering from vehicles. Councils play a key role in achieving ambitious national targets - ending landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste, reducing landfill to 5%, and recycling 70% of all waste by 2025 - while promoting a more consistent and high-quality recycling service for communities.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Environmental services
Duty type
Compliance
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Emerging policy and legislation
2
Bodies with shared interest
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
Zero Waste Scotland
Standards and frameworks
4