A Zero Waste Future for Edinburgh and Midlothian

Zero Waste: Edinburgh and Midlothian is a major joint-project between the City of Edinburgh Council and Midlothian Council to deliver, through private sector partners, dedicated facilities for the treatment of the food and residual waste collected in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

Zero Waste will achieve:

• increased recycling of Edinburgh and Midlothian's waste
• less waste sent to landfill
• a secure, long-term solution at a competitive price
• renewable heat and electricity for the local area
• future additional benefits through a Zero Waste Parc

Reducing waste to landfill

Under the Zero Waste Plan, the Scottish Government has set a target for no more than 5 per cent of waste being sent to landfill by 2025.

At the moment we send about two thirds of our household waste to landfill.  This is not a sustainable disposal method.  It is becoming an increasingly costly option which causes pollution, contributes to climate change and wastes valuable resources.

Zero Waste structure

The City of Edinburgh Council and Midlothian Council are working together to deliver Zero Waste for Edinburgh and Midlothian.

Overall direction and management of Zero Waste is the responsibility of the Project Board. It performs within the mandate set by the Strategic Forum (CEOs and lead elected members of the Partner Councils).

The Project Board includes a director from each Partner Council plus a nominee from Scottish Futures Trust in a non-voting role.

The Project Team contains officers from both Partner Councils and is responsible for the day-to-day running of Zero Waste and the procurement processes for both food and residual waste.

A number of external consultants provide advice and input where required.