Scottish CRN launches with aim to gain political support

The Recycling Advisory Group Scotland (RAGS) organised a conference to launch the Scottish CRN, which highlighted the benefits of involving the community sector in the delivery of the National Waste Strategy. The Scottish CRN aims to lobby the Scottish Parliament on recycling and ensure that community groups have greater access to information and funding.

Speaking at the event, Green Party MSP, Robin Harper, described the community sector as the nation's experts in recycling and the foundation for achieving the increased levels of recycling that will take Scotland from the bottom of the European recycling league to the top.

Mr Harper called on the Scottish Executive and SEPA to recognise the role the sector plays in recycling, reuse and composting initiatives in Scotland. He said: “The Community recycling sector should be equal partners in the implementation of both the National Waste Strategy and the local area waste plans. Without them we shall fail to meet any targets and in doing so miss out on a spectacular opportunity for real change.”

Iain Gulland, chair of RAGS, outlined the key objectives of the CRN for Scotland and said: “The sector has much more to offer then mere compliance with landfill diversion targets. Getting involved in the National Waste Strategy is not just about participating but also about influencing future waste management options so that they benefit local people.”

A formal structure for the administration of the network will be developed by RAGS and will include community-based representatives. And the Scottish CRN plans to hold further events to share of information and best practice.

The conference highlighted successful community projects including Campbeltown Wastewatchers which started as an aluminium can collection project and has now become a strategic partner in the delivery of waste and recycling services for Argyll. Employing 17 people, the organisation is the third biggest employer in a town. Argyll’s remoteness has also meant that the solutions are very much local market driven with waste paper being turned into animal bedding, and worms from their vermiculture system being sold as bait to fishermen.