South Ayrshire is second top for recycling waste

Oct 17 2008

SOUTH Ayrshire folk are second best in Scotland at recycling.

For they managed to recycle an impressive 43 per cent of waste over the past year.

New figures released by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency reveal that they were pipped at the post for the top spot by Moray Council with 44 per cent.

However, the achievement has won residents praise from politicians.

Councillor Peter Convery is responsible for the environment.

He said: “I would like to thank people across South Ayrshire and congratulate them on their commitment to helping the council improve our recycling rate.

“It is excellent news that we are doing so well, especially when you consider that back in 2004 our recycling rate was only 12 per cent.”

The new figure represents a 3.8 per cent increase in recycling on last year.

And Councillor Convery is confident that it can continue to improve.

He added: “If we all continue to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste, wherever possible, I am sure that we will further improve on this recycling rate.”

And Ayr MSP John Scott insists that the achievement is a feather in the council’s cap.

He pointed out: “Our ultimate goal should be to achieve a zero waste society, where waste is recycled and them put to another productive use.

“Further action will be needed at both a national and local level to realise this ambition.

“In the meantime, it is good to see positive progress being made here in South Ayrshire which protects our environment for current and future generations.”