Scottish landfill data published

Environmental legislation designed to boost recycling targets in Scotland is in the spotlight after landfill data was released by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).

As reported by the Sunday Herald, figures from the body showed that 4.4 per cent of material collected for recycling by local authorities was rejected.

The environmental analysis also revealed that the amount of rubbish rejected for recycling was equivalent to 29,126 tonnes in weight.

Material rejected - either because it was contaminated or unsuitable - was subsequently deposited at landfill sites.

Dr Dan Barlow, head of policy at WWF Scotland, has called for the Scottish government to work with local authorities to ensure recycling targets laid down in environmental legislation can be met.

"It is deeply disappointing that in a few local authorities some waste collected for recycling has been rejected and dumped instead," he said.

The recommendation comes after Sepa and the Environment Agency published an Area Management Plan for Tweed to improve its water quality.