The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has responded to the Scottish Government’s launch of a consultation on proposed legislation in the Circular Economy Bill.

Proposed legislation in the Circular Economy Bill includes measures to cut litter and waste and forms part of wider plans for a new approach to reducing, reusing and recycling materials to help drive Scotland’s circular economy.

Responding to the Cabinet Secretary’s launch, COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson Councillor Steven Heddle said:

“Local Government is fully committed to creating a circular, carbon neutral economy. In recent decades councils have invested heavily in kerb side recycling and have built up considerable expertise in making local recycling schemes work effectively.

“Whatever approach is chosen as a result of this consultation, the diverse challenges facing councils across mainland Scotland and the islands must be addressed. Improvements in recycling figures will only happen with increased investment, which is difficult given continued pressure on local authority budgets.

“COSLA will continue to engage constructively with all key stakeholders to develop workable proposals that maintain local discretion for Scotland’s councils while at the same time delivering the improvements that we all seek.”