Scotland: glass recycling set to ‘make a real difference’

Scotland – Convinced that recycling and charity work make a very good fit, Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) has launched a 12-month pilot scheme to raise funds via glass collections in the council region of Perth and Kinross.

The council typically captures 55% of all empty glass jars and bottles thanks to its nine recycling centres and 105 recycling points in the area – but this means 45% is still being consigned to landfill, stresses environment committee convener Alan Grant. He believes linking resource efficiency and social engagement will result in a surge in collection and recycling rates.

The year-long scheme will see one penny (£ 0.01) going to CHAS for every glass jar and bottle collected, which could ‘make a real difference’, it is suggested. A 10% increase in volumes – equating to some 350 tonnes – would benefit CHAS by between £3000 and £5000. The additional funds would support the organisation’s hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.