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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Waste on the web

26/03/2004

A special website search facility will give householders access to a range of advice on how to minimise and recycle waste.

Sort It, developed by the Scottish Waste Awareness Group (SWAG) details recycling facilities throughout Scotland.

It is available on www.wascot.org.uk and will soon be expanded to help householders reduce, reuse and recycle waste - the three step approach to reducing reliance on landfill.

Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson said:

"We are committed to reducing Scotland's reliance on landfill and improving our environment.

"This website is one of a number of initiatives the Scottish Executive and SWAG have initiated to increase public awareness on how to deal with waste in a more sustainable way.

"The Scottish Executive has invested over £230 million in the three years to 2006 to help local authorities put in place sustainable alternatives to landfilling. Improved recycling facilities and kerbside collections are being developed across Scotland. But the public too has a vital role to play.

"This website provides comprehensive information to householders on where their local facilities are. With the right facilities and the right information we are helping you to Sort It."

The website address is www.wascot.org.uk.

It provides information on where local recycling facilities are located as well as kerbside collection schemes. Details on what materials are collected locally, where they are taken for reprocessing and what they are recycled into are also provided as are other useful facts and figures.

The Executive has provided the Scottish Waste Awareness Group with £1 million between 2002 and 2006 to support core activities. Over £230 million has been made available to local authorities over the same period through the Strategic Waste Fund which supports work on recycling and sustainable waste management.

The Executive has a target to recycle or compost 25 per cent of its municipal waste by 2006. Tough EU targets to divert waste from landfill will also need to be met by 2010, 2013 and 2020.

Page updated: Saturday, July 17, 2004