Circular Communities Scotland is pleased to share and support a new report ‘Community Reuse in Scotland’s Climate Future’ which highlights growing challenges faced by the circular third sector and calls for urgent government intervention to ensure community reuse organisations can survive as well as thrive in Scotland.
The report has been published by Circular Communities Scotland members Magpie, Stella’s Voice and Instant Neighbour, as well as Aberdeen Voluntary Action and the James Hutton Institute.
Community reuse organisations are vital to Scotland’s efforts to achieve its climate, circular economy, and social justice goals. Circular Communities Scotland represents over 260 such organisations, which reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, and provide essential goods to families in need, such as furniture, clothing, and household items.
The report draws on evidence from community reuse organisations, local authorities, researchers, and sector bodies. It reveals that Scotland’s reuse and repair system is under strain due to a combination of structural, political and financial challenges. Without meaningful action, the capacity for community reuse will continue to be under threat, potentially leading to increased landfill, higher public costs, and greater social hardship for our communities.
Key Challenges Identified
The sector is facing ongoing financial pressures, regulatory inconsistencies, saturated recycling markets, infrastructure constraints and behavioural and cultural challenges, all of which threaten its ability to operate effectively.
Recommendations for Action
The report outlines practical steps for the Scottish Government to support the reuse sector, including:
- Long-Term Funding: Sustained financial support for reuse and repair community reuse organisations, including rate relief for charities and removal of waste charges.
- Mandatory Reuse Targets: Local authorities recommended to set reuse targets and collaborate with communities to design systems for managing bulky waste streams.
- Regulatory Reform: Call to align environmental regulations across the UK to ensure fair competition and reduce unintended disadvantages for Scottish operators.
- Cultural Change: Promote reuse through national campaigns and integrate circular economy principles into schools and community programmes.
- Infrastructure Investment and Skills: Expand space for reuse at recycling centres, fund repair and upcycling projects and support workforce development.
Circular Communities Scotland’s Commitment
Circular Communities Scotland is committed to listening to, supporting and representing our members who are calling for change and working to address these challenges. We understand the critical role our members play in delivering environmental and social benefits, and we are dedicated to representing their findings and advocating for the support they need.
We will continue to work closely with our members, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure that the voices of community reuse organisations are heard and that their contributions to Scotland’s climate and social goals are recognised and supported.
Our Reuse Manifesto shows our current policy commitments which support meaningful change for the community reuse sector. Our policy output will be increasing in the coming months, allowing us to further campaign for and advocate for our members.
We will continue to review our members experiences and concerns and will provide campaigning, events and ad hoc support where appropriate.
To talk to our staff team about email info@circularcommunities.scot.