Highland Council adopts Circular Economy policy

02 September 2024

 From Skye Climate Action September newsletter

The Highland Council has committed to embed Circular Economy Principles into the Council’s Day to day operations, in order to align its operations with the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act. This will reduce waste, encourage efficient use of resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the Council's Net Zero Strategy. The Act’s legal requirements includes complying with new waste management regulations, such as the reduction of landfill waste and a ban on biodegradable municipal waste by 2025, as well as measures to ban specific single-use plastic items and enhanced deposit return schemes for packaging. The Council’s next steps are

Developing a Circular Economy Strategy to guide its transition to a circular economy

Investing in recycling infrastructure to enhance waste management capabilities

Promoting sustainable procurement

Engaging with communities to raise awareness of circular economy principles and encourage participation.

HC News item on this policy

Detailed report to Climate Change Committee  28 August 2024 (PDF)