By Poppy Cuthbert

According to figures from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), recycling rates in Scotland have fallen to their lowest level in five years. Last year, the household recycling rate in Scotland saw a sudden drop to 42.8%, a 1.5% decrease from the previous year.

The decline raises questions over the Scottish Government’s efforts to boost recycling and meet its environmental targets.

Pile of recycled bottles and cans - via unsplash.

In 2010, The Scottish Government stated that they anticipated recycling figures to be 70% or above by 2024, However the new statistics show that the Scottish Government’s targets are unlikely to be met.

Many Scots agree that recycling in their communities is being completely overlooked and is no longer a priority on the Scottish Government’s agenda.

Joshua Stewart, 19, from Aberdeen, said: “I do recycle, as it is easy when you have your different bins at home.

“It’s harder to recycle when you’re out and about and it is difficult to find suitable recycling bins when you’re not at home.”

Adrien Garrity, 55, from Kilmarnock, said: “I do recycle, because I don’t like the idea of landfills being filled with plastic. I like the world we live in, and I’d like to maintain it.”

various pieces of washed up litter - via Unsplash.

Many communities in Scotland have taken recycling into their own hands by incorporating recycling solutions in their towns. People in Stirling have introduced a transition scheme that runs in the community and includes a tool library, repair café and a wood reuse scheme.

Many Scots blame the Scottish Government for the lack of effort to support recycling schemes despite the emphasis they have had on improving recycling statistics.

Ruby Smith, 26, from Glasgow’s southside, said: “In certain areas in Glasgow there’s not so many food waste bins or bottle banks. I haven’t seen a change in recycling in recent years. It depends where you are in the city centre as some places have more money spent on recycling than others.”

Kevin Montgomery, 39, from Castlemilk, Glasgow, said: “I’d love to say I have seen a change in recycling, but I don’t think the city centre is as clean as it used to be. I wish there was a big impact but I’m not seeing it currently in my daily life. I hope to see it soon and I hope that it will get better soon.”

Scotland's recycling rates fall to lowest level in five years