Scottish waste industry unites under Resourcing Scotland

The partnership said it aims to help develop a residual waste strategy for Scotland and build capacity within the country’s waste management system.  

It will combine waste management groups and all 32 of the nation’s local authorities, including the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management (CIWM) Scotland, the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), Resource Management Association Scotland (RMAS), Scottish Environmental Services Association (SESA) and the Local Authority Waste Managers Network.  

The partnership is set to host an inaugural conference on Thursday (14 November 2024) at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. The event will focus on addressing issues in the sector including landfill capacity, recycling policy and carbon reduction.  

Following the conference, Resourcing Scotland intends to put together a White Paper to present to the Scottish government in early 2025.  

Conference chair Laura Tainsh, chair of the Scotland Centre Council of the CIWM, commented: “Resourcing Scotland brings together key operators across Scotland’s waste and resource management sector to work collaboratively in addressing the significant challenges that the sector continues to deal with.   

“With the Scottish government currently developing its Residual Waste Plan, which will be rolled out over two decades, it’s vital for the sector to have its views articulated through a clear, collective voice to ensure we can help support this long-term strategy. At this week’s conference, we will have an opportunity to capture the views and concerns of those across the sector and share those directly with the Scottish government.”   

Andrew Murdoch, chair of RMAS and managing director of waste management company J & M Murdoch & Son, added: “As a waste management business leader operating at the coal face of the industry, I’m delighted to be involved with this new partnership. Resourcing Scotland has a key role to play in representing the industry’s views and ensuring that government objectives are developed in close collaboration with local authorities and private waste management operators.”