Changes brought about by the Scottish Executive to the way in which the rate has been calculated for 1999/2000 are said to make 5% a more realistic indicator of recycling activity.
The 1998/1999 figure of 5.7% was calculated by asking authorities to submit an estimate of their recycling rate. The new methodology calculates the rate by looking at the percentage recycled per tonne of household waste and will be used for at least the next two years.
The report also shows that 2% of waste was recovered through heat and power, with the Orkney Islands recovering nearly 80% of its waste through this method. However, 93% of waste is still being sent to landfill.
Audit Scotland’s deputy auditor general (performance audit), Caroline Gardener, said: “While the overall standard of environmental services being achieved is encouraging, it is a matter of real concern that such a high proportion of waste is still going to landfill. Orkney islands are to be congratulated but most other councils have a long way to go.”
Investment
The Scottish Executive is investing 50 million in Scottish local authority waste management over the next three years.
Anil Gupta, policy officer at the Consortium Of Scottish Local Authorities, said long-term funding needed to be in place to ensure Scotland can overcome its logistical problems and develop markets for recylclate.
He said: “By the end of the three years we want to be looking to spend even more. Realistically, if you’re looking at waste management in small communities you’re looking at considerable investment. In the long-term we need to spend a lot more to get a waste management system regime which befits the 21st century.”
Despite the overall low level of recycling there were some significant improvements. The Shetland Islands increased its rate from 4.6% to 12.4%. Perth and Kinross also moved up from 12.9% to 15.6%. However, there was bad news for Argyll and Bute, which saw its rate drop from 16.8% to 10.8%. And Aberdeen also had a decrease from 7.2% to 4.3%.
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