A Lighthouse on a cliff in Scotland, representing Zero Waste Scotland as the Lighthouse for the Circular Economy

Rewiring the economy

for people, planet and prosperity.

The biggest cause of climate change is overconsumption – where society puts too much pressure on earth's finite resources through our "take, make, waste" economic model. We're Scotland's circular economy public body, working with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current consumption driven model to one where we make the most of the materials we have.

What is the circular economy?

What circularity means to Scotland

As a society, we consume far more than the planet can sustain. It’s a global problem that’s driven by a ‘take, make, waste' economy that relies upon extraction, production, consumption and discarding of products and materials -often leading to waste and environmental harm. In Scotland, our economy has required the equivalent of 22 tonnes of materials per citizen per year – almost three times the sustainable consumption level established by scientists. The circular economy is the best tool we have to turn this around while maintaining a high quality of life.

Impact of circularity

Economic growth

£4 billion

contribution to Scotland’s GDP. (Source)

Jobs

56,000

full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in circular economy sectors - 2.6% of total Scottish employment. (Source)

Value created

£5 more per hour

Circular sectors generated £37.33 in GVA per hour in 2021 - nearly £5 more per hour than the Scottish average (£32.22). (Source)

Start your journey

As Scotland’s circular economy public body, we’re working with business, government, and communities to rewire the economy for people, planet and prosperity.

Business

Local Authorities

Citizens

What's new

Zero Waste Scotland publishes the nation’s most in-depth Material Flow Accounts to date

Zero Waste Scotland publishes the nation’s most in-depth Material Flow Accounts to date, highlighting risks to Scotland’s resource resilience.

Circular Economy

Roadmap and Mission Board set direction for Scotland’s circular built environment

A new industry-led Mission Board has convened to help drive circular change across Scotland’s built environment, as Zero Waste Scotland publishes a new Roadmap to support the sector.

Circular Economy

Launch of landmark Roadmap and sector-led Mission Board 

A first of its kind Roadmap to guide Scotland towards a more circular energy sector has been published, alongside the establishment of a sector-wide Mission Board to drive forward its delivery. The landmark announcement was made as part of Zero Waste Scotland’s presence at the 2026 All-Energy Conference at the Scottish Exhibition Centre, Glasgow.