Scotland Looks to Boost Plastics Recycling Level

Scotland is seeking to sharply increase the amount of plastics being recovered for recycling. To accomplish this, Scotland is giving businesses and organizations the opportunity to bid for a total of £5 million (US$7.5 million) in funds from the Scottish Government’s Mixed Plastics Capital Grant Programme.

The funding is available to cover up to 30 percent of the total investment required to develop new plastics recycling facilities in Scotland.

The program is being launched in partnership with WRAP Scotland, which will be dealing with applications and administering the scheme.

"At the moment, only 15,000 metric tons of plastic used by householders is collected for recycling in Scotland, with the majority of that being sent to Asia for processing," said Iain Gulland, director of WRAP Scotland. "This funding package will help develop plastics processing and recycling facilities, transforming Scotland’s approach to managing plastic waste."

In addition to dealing with plastic bottles, the new facilities will be expected to handle mixed plastics such as yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, salad bags and plastic film, items that typically are being disposed of due to the lack of end markets for the material.

Businesses and organizations are being asked to submit applications for the Grant Programme, outlining recommended locations and technology, and researched sources for feedstock and markets for the processed polymer. Applications will close at 1.30pm on Friday, June 26.

This funding forms part of a larger package of support through the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Fund. For more information about the Zero Waste Strategy, go to www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Waste/wastestrategy.