Why is this National Indicator important?
The indicator refers specifically to Scotland's share of the UK's obligation under the EC Landfill Directive to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfill. Municipal waste is that collected by local authorities. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is produced as biodegradable waste decomposes in landfills. The primary aim of this indicator is, therefore, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfill sites and so contribute to lessen the impact of climate change. Diverting waste from landfill also encourages more efficient use of waste resources in line with the waste hierarchy: 'Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Recover'.
What will influence this National Indicator?
Three key factors influence the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill. These are:
- Rate of waste growth.
- Composition of municipal waste, particularly the proportion of biodegradable material.
- Levels of recycling, composting and/or other waste treatment processes.
What is the Government's role?
Essentially to ensure that Scotland meets its share of the UK's Landfill Directive obligation. This is in line with the principles of sustainable waste management as stipulated in Scotland's National Waste Plan. It will be achieved in partnership with local authorities, which have responsibility for deciding which facilities and services capable of diverting municipal waste from landfill to fund. Scottish Government has responsibility for monitoring progress through local authority Single Outcome Agreements.
How are we performing?
There has been an overall reduction in the volume of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfill in recent years. The latest figure of 1,256 kt during 2008/09 is a reduction of 114 kt compared with 1,370 kt in 2007/08.
Source: Scottish Environment Protection Agency: 2001/02 -2003/04 Local Authority Waste Arisings Survey, 2004/05 - 2005/06 Quarterly Landfill Allowance Scheme Return, 2006/07 and 2007/08 Waste data flow
Methodology
This evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 15kt of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. A decrease of 15kt or more suggests the position is improving; whereas an increase of 15kt or more suggests the position is worsening.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Further Information
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Statistics Topic Page
Who are our partners?
Local Authorities
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Scottish Waste Awareness Group
Remade Scotland
Waste and Resources Action Programme
Community Recycling Network for Scotland
Related Strategic Objective(s)
Safer and Stronger
Greener