Scotland’s recycling efforts have been praised by the government after figures showed it is exceeding targets.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) found that Scotland’s annual recycling and composting rate rose to 35.9 per cent in the year leading up to September 2009.
Ambitions to recycle 40 per cent of all waste by the end of 2010 now look more achievable than ever.
The nation’s committed recycling culture is welcome news to anyone involved in the bulk handling process of recycled materials.
As increasing levels of municipal and household waste is recycled the requirement for new processing facilities is a big growth sector.
Heavy-duty machinery such as screw conveyors, bucket elevators and big bag discharges may be needed to help Scotland reach its recycling potential.
Progress also continues to be made on stabilising the growth of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) produced in Scotland.
In the year leading to October 2009, approximately 3.25 million tonnes of MSW were produced in Scotland, compared to some 3.38 million tonnes produced in the previous year.