– Brian Bingham, RAGS
The group has been through something of an identity crisis in the last two years, with larger organisations like WRAP, SEPA and the Scottish Executive now overshadowing its original role of raising the profile of recycling in Scotland.
Having survived a motion to wind up the group at its Annual General Meeting, the executive board has now decided there remains a “significant need” for RAGS.
Under new chairman Brian Bingham of Highlander International Recycling Ltd, RAGS has refocused on providing a link between the public, private and community sectors.
Mr Bingham said: “Effective communication will be the key to Scotland's recycling industry thriving – an essential part of moving away from reliance on landfill. Despite the fact that we have the skills here in Scotland, we will struggle to meet the landfill diversion targets set by the Scottish Executive unless the public, private and community sectors jointly work together.”
Testing
RAGS was originally established in 1993 but went through a “testing” year in 2004, not least because one staff member was involved in a fraud against the group, later to be found guilty in March this year (see letsrecycle.com story).
The organisation says its difficulties have been resolved, new staff hired and key objectives have been set for 2005/06 to attract new members, effectively inform RAGS members and provide networking opportunities.
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RAGS has now located its headquarters in Alloa, which it says is more accessible than the Edinburgh office. And, the group is launching a series of networking events this month, starting with a gathering in Kilmarnock on October 26.
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