Circular Communities Scotland is calling for a reuse before recycling approach to Scottish circular policy through our Reuse Manifesto.

To date Scottish Government’s policy and investment focus has been on recycling and waste management. On behalf of our membership, Circular Communities Scotland is calling for this focus to shift to reuse and repair.

Reuse brings numerous circular benefits including:

Social: Reuse tackles the cost-of-living crisis by offering affordable pre-loved goods and helps overcome employment barriers by creating work and training placements.
Environmental: Reuse addresses the climate crisis and the challenges of achieving net zero by dealing directly with the issue of over-consumption and material use.
Economic: Reuse creates opportunities for green skills, local and Scottish based jobs and supports economic growth.

Our Reuse Manifesto has three key asks:

1.    Reuse Targets

What are we asking for?

  • The setting of an ambitious National Reuse Target.
  • A commitment to set ambitious Local Authority Preparation for Reuse Targets that prioritise and support the community reuse sector.

2.    Reuse Infrastructure

What are we asking for?

  • For the Local Authority Statutory Code of Practice to promote preparation for reuse co-location, reuse collection points and bulky reuse services over recycling.
  • A commitment to invest in preparation for reuse infrastructure making local reuse and repair services the first choice and the affordable choice for the public.

3.  Reuse Investment

What are we asking for?

  • The introduction of a Reuse Credits Scheme for the reuse sector as a financial incentive to divert more items from waste for reuse.
  • The introduction of a Repair Voucher Scheme that incentivises the public to repair their items instead of throwing them away and buying new.

CEO of Circular Communities Scotland Michael Cook states:

“This manifesto will act as a cornerstone for our policy work over the coming years. Currently in Scotland the policy focus within waste management has been recycling. Now, it’s time to ensure reuse is given the same resources and focus. The benefits of reuse over recycling are clear. Reuse ensures materials stay at the top of the waste hierarchy, where they retain their value for longer. When we reuse, we support economic growth, more green jobs are retained and created, and communities benefit from affordable, useable goods. Our members, reuse charities and social enterprises across Scotland, already do incredibly valuable work supporting Scotland’s circular economy. Our Reuse Manifesto recognises their contributions and solidifies reuse at the heart of our country’s circular practises.”

 

Learn more about our Reuse First Manifesto by reading it in full, or email info@circularcommunities.scot for any enquiries.