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Listen
4. Communities
Community groups are well placed to promote household waste prevention. They can engage local communities in raising awareness of waste prevention measures through links with existing groups such as youth groups, parent and toddler groups and pensioner groups.
Information from the Community Recycling Network for Scotland ( CRNS) suggests that there are significant amounts of goods which could be reused/refurbished which are not being captured from the waste stream at present. Many respondents to the consultation felt that a more strategic approach to reuse should be taken for items such as furniture, paint and carpets.
The following actions are proposed for communities:-
Action 11:SE / SEPA will develop a 'Reuse Framework' with the Community Recycling Network for Scotland ( CRNS) and local authorities by Dec 2007. This will include actions such as:-
- encouraging the establishment of local waste exchanges
- improving collection methods for large household items
- improving reuse facilities at recycling centres
- ensuring bulky uplift materials are put to good use
- running a campaign to discourage householders from putting reusable items in the residual waste bin
- consider whether further action can be taken to encourage repair and refurbishment (taking into account WEEE regulations).
- ensuring leftover paint is used e.g. through REPAINT schemes
- encouraging further reuse of goods such as furniture, carpets, mattresses etc
- learning from experience in other jurisdictions e.g. Flanders
- encouraging retailers and the community sector / social economy organisations to work together
- considering the establishment of skills training for refurbishment activities
Action 12: SE / SEPA will work with CRNS to encourage the establishment of a further 20 community compost schemes by 2008 diverting an additional 500 tonnes. This will be done in line with existing regulations and involve volunteers where possible (see Annex C). We will also consider what further work can be done in this area.
Action 13: SE will work with Momenta to monitor and report the success of projects funded by INCREASE (the Scottish Executive grant scheme for the community recycling sector) in 2006-07, 2007-08 which contribute to household waste prevention. Some of these projects relate to the provision of in-depth advice to householders on what they can do to minimise waste.
Action 14: SE / SEPA to ensure waste prevention messages are mainstreamed in the Ecoschools Programme and other waste awareness / education initiatives.
N.B. To encourage partnership working between local authorities and community groups to divert waste from landfill, guidance has been issued on accessing Strategic Waste Fund support up to a maximum of £150 per tonne ( http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/09/19130159/0). In light of this no further changes to recycling credits are proposed at this time. However, we will consider in due course whether to extend recycling credits to reuse if an appropriate legislative vehicle can be used.
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