A reduction in the amount of waste generated in Scotland is an indicator of greater resource efficiency and more sustainable consumption behaviour - addressing the first step in the waste hierarchy ('Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Recover'). The indicator measures household waste to be aligned with Scottish, UK and European targets and focus on the service provided by local authorities to individual households.
Three key factors influence the amount of waste generated. These are:
- Rate of income and consumption growth
- Consumption preferences and
- Resource efficiency and waste avoidance
The Scottish Government has a vision for a zero-waste society where all waste is seen as a resource. Scotland's Zero Waste Plan sets out radical new measures, including the development of a Waste Prevention Programme for all wastes, ensuring the prevention and reuse of waste is central to all our actions and policies
The amount of household waste generated in Scotland increased by 1.2 per cent (30.2 thousand tonnes) between 2015 and 2016, the third successive increase. However there has been an overall decrease of 4.1 per cent (107.8 thousand tonnes) in the amount of household waste generated since 2011, which was the first year comparable data was collected.
The data is available at the bottom of the page.
The evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 1 percent of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. A decrease of 1 percent or more suggests the position is improving; whereas an increase of 1 percent or more suggests the position is worsening.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Local Authorities
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Zero Waste Scotland
Safer and Stronger
Greener