Scotland is lagging behind the rest of the UK in household waste recycling, peaking at 12.8% in 2003/04.

Data published in a report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on local authority waste arisings show that of the 2.6 million tonnes (Mt) of household waste produced in 2003/04, around 0.35 Mt were recycled or composted. This compares to the expected 17% rate for household waste recycling in England during 2003/04, and 16.25% rate announced for Welsh councils last month.

While Scotland‘‘s recycling rate has increased from the 8% figure achieved in 2002/03, the country‘‘s 2.3 million households must double the 12.8% rate to achieve national targets for 2005/06.

During 2003/2004 a total of 2,364,156 household premises 64,931 commercial premises 1,109 industrial premises received a regular waste collection service in Scotland. Local authorities estimate that 1,074,646 household premises 8,970 commercial premises 124 industrial premises received or were offered a kerbside recycling service in Scotland.

The total quantity of waste collected for disposal by or on behalf of local authorities in Scotland during 2003/2004 was 2,920,343 tonnes. The total amount disposed of was 2,904,425 tonnes. This was due to 16,625 tonnes collected for disposal which was recycled and 707 tonnes that was collected for recycling and composting which was disposed of.

The report provides lots of useful tables of data, including:

· Table B1 shows the quantities and sources of waste collected for disposal by or on behalf of local authorities in Scotland.
· Table B2 shows the quantity of household waste collected for disposal by or on behalf of local authorities in Scotland.
· Table B4 shows the treatment and disposal methods used for waste disposed of by or on behalf of local authorities in Scotland.
· Tables C1, C2, C3 and C4 show the methods used for collection and the types and quantities of materials recycled.
· Table C5 shows the amount of waste that was composted by or on behalf of local authorities in Scotland.

The total quantity of waste collected for recycling by or on behalf of local authorities in Scotland during 2003/2004 was 299,390 tonnes. The actual amount recycled was 298,683 tonnes because 707 tonnes were collected for recycling but disposed of. Materials for recycling were collected through kerbside collections, civic amenity sites and a number of other bring (drop-off) facilities