News Roundup
Resident books nearly 250 recycling centre visits in one year
A BBC story revealed that one enthusiastic recycler made 249 bookings at their local HWRC in a year. Jane and Alasdair found it both amusing and revealing — highlighting how booking systems give councils better data but can also expose overuse, potential trade waste, or simply that some residents just love a good chat at the tip.
Provisional pEPR charges for 2026 published
DEFRA has released provisional Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) charges for 2026, and the pair reflect on the implications. Alasdair warns that because the new funds aren’t ring-fenced, councils might absorb them into general budgets rather than improving recycling. Jane raises concerns over increased costs being passed to consumers — but both agree that forcing producers to design more recyclable packaging could drive real change.
Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations update
SEPA’s new Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR) came into effect on 1 November 2025. Jane reminds operators to check the updated guidance and notes that SEPA is even advertising on the radio to raise awareness. Alasdair adds that while the new online system has a few teething issues, it’s a step toward a clearer, more digital approach to environmental compliance.
What is COP30 and why does it matter for climate change?
With COP30 taking place in Brazil next year — 10 years after the Paris Agreement — the hosts question whether the 1.5°C goal is still achievable. They note that major emitters like the US are stepping back from participation and reflect on how global policy momentum feels to be stalling. “It’s gone on the back burner,” says Jane, though both hope renewed focus will emerge around circular economy solutions.
Alasdair on BBC Good Morning Scotland: Landfill Ban Delay
Alasdair appeared on BBC Good Morning Scotland to discuss the two-year delay to Scotland’s landfill ban. He argued that while the extension gives councils breathing room, it risks undermining investment and progress in recycling infrastructure. His key point: if Scotland simply recycled materials properly, the savings to the economy could be significant — and the environmental benefits even greater.
Topic: Waste Reprocessing Capacity in Scotland
The main topic this week delves into the Scottish Government’s Waste Reprocessing Capacity Report, produced under the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024. Alasdair and Jane unpack what the data actually tells us — and what it doesn’t.
The report identifies 169 licensed reprocessing sites with another 14 planned, but Jane questions how many are truly “reprocessing” rather than simply sorting and baling materials for export. Together, they examine key waste streams — from plastics and metals to glass, wood, textiles and organics — revealing a mixed picture of progress.
Success stories include glass (thanks to facilities like the plant at Alloa) and construction waste, where most concrete and aggregates are reused domestically.
Major gaps remain in plastics, paper, textiles, and electronics — where most materials are exported rather than recycled in Scotland. Even wood and food waste processing rely on a limited number of certified sites, far below what’s needed for future demand.
They also highlight emerging challenges with batteries, wind turbines, and mattresses, where infrastructure is scarce or non-existent. “It’s mad,” says Alasdair, “we’ve had wind turbines for decades, but still no national strategy for recycling them.”
Their conclusion? Scotland’s circular economy ambitions hinge on domestic reprocessing investment — not just collection targets. As Jane puts it, “We start strong on strategy, but we never seem to finish. The market waits for certainty, and by the time it arrives, we’ve already kicked the can down the road.”