Scotland has opened consultation on a household recycling code of practice intended to make council collections more consistent.
Current position
The proposals include collecting paper and card separately from plastic, metal and cartons for more households, clearer definitions of accepted materials and nationally recommended bin colours. They also address general waste capacity, flexible plastics, food and garden waste and rural exemptions.
Published on 29th October, the consultation closes on 21st January 2027. The code is being developed under the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 and remains a proposal.
Government modelling suggests annual emissions could fall by around 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. That is a forecast, rather than a measured reduction.
Why this matters
Council waste teams and delivery organisations can use the consultation to raise practical collection, contamination and rural-service issues before the final code is prepared.
Primary source: Scottish Government, 29th October 2026.