Zero Waste Scotland

As a society, we consume far more than the planet can sustain. It’s a global problem that’s driven by a ‘take, make, waste' economy that relies upon extraction, production, consumption and discarding of products and materials -often leading to waste and environmental harm. In Scotland, our economy has required the equivalent of 22 tonnes of materials per citizen per year – almost three times the sustainable consumption level established by scientists. The circular economy is the best tool we have to turn this around while maintaining a high quality of life.

The biggest cause of climate change is overconsumption – where society puts too much pressure on earth's finite resources through our "take, make, waste" economic model. We're Scotland's circular economy public body, working with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current consumption driven model to one where we make the most of the materials we have.

On 24th March 2026, the Scottish Government published a Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland. The strategy sets out the rationale and benefits of a more circular economy within the wider economic framework and describes an overall vision and outcomes to 2045.

As Scotland’s circular economy public body, we’re working with business, government, and communities to rewire the economy for people, planet and prosperity.