Devolved Governments

Person preparing food with scraps put in a food waste caddy
Household food waste a major contributor to biodiversity loss

Household food waste has emerged as the most significant contributor to biodiversity loss and land use change in Scotland, according to new research published by Zero Waste Scotland, the circular economy public body.

Gillian Martin, Iain Gulland, Dominic Fry at pioneering biotech start-up, MiAlgae
Scotland circular economy worth £7.1bn and 81,000 jobs study shows

State of the Circular Economy report reveals 'significant and thriving' economic landscape

John Bason, Chair of UK DMO
UK DMO appoints John Bason as chair for DRS rollout

Former Associated British Foods finance director and FareShare chair selected to lead scheme administrator for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Recycling containers at a Welsh local authority
Welsh recycling rate increased to 66.6 per cent in 2023/34
By Resource |
31 October 2024 |
Latest statistics show further improvement in municipal recycling performance as Wales maintains position as top performer in UK
Scotland flag
Household waste in Scotland reduced by one per cent in 2023
By Resource |
29 October 2024 |
Latest figures from SEPA also show household recycling rates marginally improved to 43.5 per cent, with rates yet to return to pre-pandemic levels
Waste incinerator in London
BBC analysis: Waste incineration now UK's dirtiest form of power generation
By
Charles Newman
| 15 October 2024 |
With almost half of all UK household waste currently burned, waste industry challenges the BBC's new research revealing incineration produces same CO2 per unit of energy as coal
Huw Iracia-Davies addressing delegates at the Circular Economy Hotspot conference in Cardiff
Wales showcases circular economy progress at international conference
By
Charles Newman
| 8 October 2024 |
"We've come a long way on our journey," says Deputy First Minister as Wales hosts Circular Economy Hotspot, highlighting the country's rise to second in global recycling rankings
Graph showing recycling performance of England, Wales, Scotland and N.Ireland
'Deeply disappointing' as UK household recycling rate falls to 44.1 per cent
By Resource |
27 September 2024 |
Annual data shows England's recycling rate drops to 43.4 per cent, while Wales maintains lead at 56.9 per cent
Hands holding aluminium can over rows of cans
Three quarters of Britons hope to see Deposit Return Scheme in place by 2027
By
Beth Jones
| 19 September 2024 |
New poll by Alupro outlines desires for a clear environmental plan from new Labour Government
Operatives with empty boxes after loading recyclables onto a collection vehicle
Wales's circular economy success: A model for global sustainability
By
Mal Williams
| 16 September 2024 |
Citizen engagement has played a key role in driving Welsh recycling rates from 3 to 66 per cent in just over two decades
Wind Turbine installation platform in North Sea
Scotland’s Green Industrial Strategy commits to circular use of resources
By
Beth Jones
| 13 September 2024 |
Government plan identifies opportunities to develop circular principles as part of investment into net zero economy
Single-use coffee cups in garbage bin
Scottish Government launches consultation on single-use disposable cup charge
By
Beth Jones
| 22 August 2024 |
Research suggests proposed 25p fee on disposable cups would be enough to change 49 per cent of consumers behaviour 
Bulldozer managing waste on the slope of an inert landfill
Welsh Government consults on raising lower-rate of landfill tax
By
Charles Newman
| 12 August 2024 |
Current of £3.30 per tonne not incentivising alternatives to disposing on inert waste
Owen Derbyshire
Labour has an opportunity with the DRS; it’s time to take it
By
Owen Derbyshire
| 31 July 2024 |
Owen Derbyshire, CEO of Keep Wales Tidy, makes the case for glass to be included in proposed deposit return schemes throughout the UK
WRAP launches public consultation on Welsh repair and reuse culture
By Resource |
29 July 2024 |
Initiative seeks input from range of stakeholders as Government aims to build on high-level of recycling
Gwen Frost from Resource Futures
Outlining an expanded vision for the circular economy in Wales
By
Gwen Frost
| 24 July 2024 |
As Wales grapples with hitting its 70 per cent recycling target, Gwen Frost highlights the gains of a longer-term strategy to invest in reuse and repair
Debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Parliament passes landmark Circular Economy Bill
By
Charles Newman
| 27 June 2024 |
Environmental campaigners hail new law as "a turning point for Scotland" following unanimous vote
Scottish flag
Environmental groups call for investigation into Scottish Government's incineration policy
By
Charles Newman
| 19 June 2024 |
Despite a moratorium on new waste incinerators, Scotland's incineration capacity has increased by 17 per cent since 2022.
Single-use vapes discarded in the soil
Impact assessment highlights benefit of banning disposable vapes
By Resource |
11 June 2024 |
Scottish Government’s Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment sets out avoided waste management costs of prohibiting sale of items from April 2025. 
Kerbside recycling collection vehicle in North Wales
Wales ranked as second best recycling country in the world
By Resource |
4 June 2024 |
The Global Recycling League Table - Phase One Report, released on World Environment Day, has revealed that Wales is the second-best recycling nation globally, just behind Austria. 
Plastic waste and pollution washed up on the remote beach in Shetland
Zero Waste Scotland's new LCA tool measures wider environmental impact of waste
By
Charles Newman
| 28 May 2024 |
Life Cycle Analysis shows textiles, food, electronics, plastic, and paper/cardboard are most environmentally problematic household waste streams
Deposit return using a reverse vending machine
Biffa sues Scottish Government for £55 Million over failed DRS
By Resource |
14 May 2024 |
The waste management company has filed a legal petition in the Court of Session, seeking compensation for losses incurred due to the collapsed Deposit Return Scheme
Packaging
Defra publishes draft of packaging EPR regulations
By
Charles Newman
| 1 May 2024 |
Revision of statutory instrument has been sent to EU and WTO, paving the way for legislation to go before UK Parliament later this year