RAGS to set up Scottish community recycling network

RAGS announced at its AGM and seminar held in Falkirk yesterday that it has been awarded 34,900, from the Scottish Executive Action Fund, to establish a network for community organisations involved in recycling, recycling, reuse and waste minimisation.

The organisation said that a network for Scottish community recycling groups was “long overdue” and that councils need to involve the community to draw up local area waste plans which are needed as part of the national waste strategy for Scotland.

RAGS will work closely with the Community Recycling Network (CRN) and will build on the experience of community groups in Scotland, such as Action Recycle, Alloa Community Enterprise, LEEP and Greenlight, who carry out a large amount of recycling in Scotland.

The group aims provide a focus for information about community recycling and a representative voice for community groups in Scotland. RAGS hopes that the network will enhance the role of the sector in delivery of national waste strategy for Scotland and put groups in a better position to benefit from potential funding sources.

Iain Gulland, RAGS development manager, said: “Over 15 million will be spent in Scotland by the community sector over the next three years on recycling, reuse and waste minimisation. Coupled with the 50 million being made available to local authorities the potential for change is enormous. RAGS sees the development of a network focused on supporting and empowering the community sector in Scotland as the key to ensure their active participation. Without involving the community directly the goal of sustainable waste management will remain a bit of a pipe dream.”

Tony Cassidy, RAGS chairperson and general manager of Alloa Community Enterprise, said: “The grant from the Scottish Executive is good news. The community sector needs to be heard and listened to. Everybody now recognises that the future landfill diversion targets can be achieved through community projects such as Alloa Community Enterprises, working in partnership with local authorities and business. RAGS will now be able to properly promote the work of the community sector as well as with the private sector.”