Zero Waste Scotland | 2023 evaluation of Recycling Improvement Fund projects

The Recycling Improvement Fund (RIF) 2023 Impact Report is part of a long-term evaluation of projects funded by the GBP 70 million (EUR 82 million) RIF, managed by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. The Fund supports local authorities in advancing Scotland’s recycling performance and net zero goals. So far, 48 awards totaling over GBP 66 million (EUR 77.5 million) have been granted to 27 local authorities. This report focuses on projects mature enough to show measurable progress, representing GBP 15.6 million (EUR 18.4 million) of the total funding. 

In 2023, these projects resulted in over 4 600 tonnes of additional recycling and 100 tonnes of reuse across 10 local authorities. Surveyed recipients showed strong satisfaction: 64% reported achieving their project goals, and 100% observed positive outcomes. Additionally, around 30 new jobs were created to support the Fund’s implementation. 

Source: www.zerowastescotland.org.uk