There is a demand for high quality recycled plastics in Scotland and it makes sense to service that from the country's own waste stream
Richard Lochhead, Scottish environment secretary
The grant scheme was originally launched in January 2009 as a means of helping the country to cut its dependency on plastics reprocessing facilities in northern England and create a ‘home market' for the material (see letsrecycle.com story).
However, even after attempts to drum up interest shortly after its launch (see letsrecycle.com story), the first call for applicants failed to see any money distributed. Two applicants had reached preferred bidder status but withdrew from the process for financial reasons.
In a bid to renew interest among businesses and the plastics recycling sector, the grant scheme, which is being administered by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, was relaunched last Friday (February 26).
A spokesman on behalf of Zero Waste Scotland told letsrecycle.com: “Basically it is the same funding because what happened was that a number of bids were received in 2009 but none progressed to contract stage. Two were named preferred bidders but withdrew due to the economic climate.
“However, the Scottish Government believes it is still important to stimulate a plastics recycling infrastructure. So hopefully, more bidders will come forward.”
Potential
At present, an estimated 200,000 tonnes of household plastic waste arises in Scotland each year but only 15,000 tonnes, or 7.5%, is collected for recycling. The fund aims to help boost this figure by an additional 20,000 tonnes a year.
Dr Iain Gulland, director of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “There is potential to massively increase plastics recycling in Scotland. The Scottish Government's ambition for Zero Waste means that things like plastic bottles and packaging, which have a value as secondary material, should never end up in landfill.”
Under the scheme, applicants can receive up to 30% of the capital costs towards a facility. Applications are welcomed until August 30 2010, with any prospective plants expected to be installed and fully operational by December 31 2013.
Government
Commenting on the latest call for bidders, Scottish environment secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: “This capital grant will enable more plastics to be taken to landfill and put into useful products.
“There is a demand for high quality recycled plastics in Scotland and it makes sense to service that from the country's own waste stream, creating jobs and economic benefit along the way.”
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