Recycle Week, which takes place next week from 25 September to 1 October, is the annual UK-wide campaign to raise awareness of the importance of recycling. Zero Waste Scotland will be encouraging people and households from across the country to become waste warriors and do their bit by recycling as much as they can.

Zero Waste Scotland aims to show the difference just one person can make and, to do so, has enlisted the help of the Primary four pupils from Oakgrove Primary School in Glasgow. The youngsters have been doing a project in recycling and were asked to model some fearsome waste warrior gear in a bid to encourage people and families to get into the recycling spirit.

The pupils – Conner Cai (8), Daniel Hew (7), Ailsa Kelleher (7), Dilraj Singh (7) and Sampriti Vinodh (8) - and Stuart donned their waste warrior apparel in Buchanan Street today (Monday 18 September) to show they are ready to take on the recycling challenge.

Encouraging progress has been made on recycling in Scotland in recent years, with people recycling more at home, at work and out and about. Despite this, around 60% of household waste ends up in landfill instead of being recycled (1). Earlier this month, the Scottish Government announced it plans to introduce a deposit and return scheme to increase recycling of drinks packaging (2).    Zero Waste Scotland is now encouraging individuals, families, businesses and local authorities to use Recycle Week to champion the benefits of recycling with employees and communities by promoting ways in which every person can do their bit.

Stuart Hogg, ‘waste warrior’ ambassador for Recycle Week, said:

Being involved in Recycle Week has been an eye-opening and educational experience. While I try to do my part, there is always room for improvement. I was surprised by some of the statistics about recycling in Scotland and from now on I am determined to increase the amount I recycle at home and at work.

“Research shows its often younger males that haven’t got to grips with recycling yet, so I’m calling on guys across Scotland to get behind Recycle Week and be a waste warrior like me. If I can do it, you can too!”

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham, said:

“By recycling more we can all help protect our environment and relieve pressure on scarce raw materials. Scotland has an ambitious target to reduce waste, with no more than 5% of all waste to go to landfill by January 2021 and 70% of waste recycled or prepared for reuse by 2025.

“Events such as Recycle Week highlight how easy it can be for individuals and businesses to play their part and keep products and materials in valuable use for longer. Greener living has benefits for us all.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said:

“While recycling in Scotland has vastly improved over the past few years, there is still more that can be done. We need everyone to put their best into improving the recycling effort for next week and into the future.

“We are encouraged by the number of people already on board as our waste warriors in the run up to next week’s big event and I hope that even more Scots will take the opportunity to play their part!”

To sign up to Recycle Week and play your part please visit

www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/recycleweek2017