A new scheme aimed at helping reduce Scotland's emissions and increase public awareness of recycling was today launched in Glasgow's St Enoch Centre by Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment.
The Recycle Zone project is a partnership between Coca-Cola Enterprises, WRAP Scotland, RECOUP and St. Enoch Centre and this is the first of its kind to be launched in Glasgow City Centre.
Located in St Enoch Centre, which recently revealed the first phase of its £100m redevelopment, the Recycle Zone will allow the public to deposit cans, plastic bottle, paper and general waste for recycling.
St. Enoch General Manager, Susan Nicol commented:
"Last year alone shoppers at St Enoch Centre bought 74,000 bottles and cans out of the 14 vending machines we have in the Centre - and we're expecting that figure to increase as the Centre expands. If every one of those bottles and cans were deposited at the Recycle Zone , not only would it divert almost 2 tonnes of waste from landfill each year, it would also achieve a carbon saving of almost 8 tonnes.
"It is little steps like this that can have a big effect on our environment, and I am delighted that St Enoch Centre has been chosen as the first place in Glasgow to spearhead this initiative," she said.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"The beginning of a New Year is always a good time for the public to adopt a new commitment to our environment by recycling more. This new initiative is exactly what will help make Glasgow a cleaner and greener city."
Iain Gulland, WRAP Director for Scotland, concluded:
"WRAP is supporting the investment in facilities that enable people to recycle away from home. It is great to see a high profile venue like St. Enoch Centre taking the lead like this and we hope to see many other major public facilities in Scotland following suit."
