Who we are
We’re Scotland’s circular economy public body, working with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current “take, make, waste” model to one where we make the most of the materials we have.
What we do
We know 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 work with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current model to one where we make the most of the materials we have. This is known as a circular economy and it’s the right choice if we want to create a more equal and just society for all.
We’re Scotland’s circular economy public body. Since 2014, our work has helped more people understand that the answer to the climate emergency is to consume less. Through an expansive range of projects and programmes, our innovative work has shown that embedding circular practices is as possible as it is essential.
Through sharing this knowledge, nurturing relationships, and bold collaboration, we’re in a truly unique position to influence this vital change.
Our aims
Help people care
We advocate for change, by informing why we must reduce overconsumption of natural resources and demonstrating how we can do it.
Make circularity easier
We identify and implement the conditions required to enable circular economies to flourish across Scotland.
Do more where it matters most
We inform and support accelerated change in key sectors that require high levels of raw materials.
Improve infrastructure
We evidence and demonstrate the infrastructure to keep materials in constant use.
Executive NDPB Framework Agreement
This framework document is agreed between Zero Waste Scotland and Scottish Ministers. It summarises how Zero Waste Scotland and Scottish Government will work together, and the key roles and responsibilities of:
- the Board
- the Chief Executive and Accountable Officer of Zero Waste Scotland;
- the Scottish Ministers; and
- the Portfolio Accountable Officer within the Scottish Government whose remit includes Zero Waste Scotland.
Annual Reports and Accounts
Read about our achievements during 2024-2025 and about the progress we made toward delivering our corporate plan.
Support we offer
Zero Waste Scotland provides leadership and practical support to encourage the growth of Circular Economy Practices in Scotland. Whether you’re a private citizen or a business owner, a local authority employee or a community group member, we have a wide range of information and resources available.
What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is part of the solution to our global climate emergency - one in which products, services, and systems are designed to maximise their value and minimise waste.
It’s an all-encompassing approach to life and business, where everything has value and nothing is wasted. In simple terms, it can be explained as 'make, use, remake' as opposed to 'make, use, dispose'.
Who is the CEO of Zero Waste Scotland?
Ciaran McGuigan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland.
Ciaran was previously Finance and Corporate Services Director and has played a significant role in Zero Waste Scotland’s development over the last four years including acting as SRO during our transition to public body, being a key architect of our Corporate Plan to 2030, and through his strategic leadership as part of our Executive Leadership Team.
In addition, he brings with him decades of private sector business, finance, governance, and risk management experience.
Ciaran's commitment to our organisational values and mission to rewire the economy will be instrumental as we move into this next, exciting phase.