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Reports

Reports, data, evidence and research from Zero Waste Scotland.

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A clear plastic bottle being deposited into a reverse vending machine
  • Plastics
  • Recycling

Impact of the extension of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to Energy from Waste on Scottish local authorities

Research assessing the scale of the impact of the extension of the UK emissions trading scheme to energy from waste on Scottish Local authorities. 

15 May 2026 4 minutes

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A construction site at dusk with a crane lifting a large rectangular object. The silhouette of the crane and scaffolding structures are visible against the gradient sky, which transitions from light pink to purple. A worker stands on a platform, overseeing the operation.
  • Circular Economy

Systems Mapping of Scotland’s Built Environment and Energy Infrastructure Sectors

Zero Waste Scotland have published interactive systems maps of Scotland's built environment and energy infrastructure sectors to illustrate the factors influencing circular economy principles and practices.

13 May 2026 7 minute read

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Wind turbine maintenance at height against blue sky
  • Circular Economy

Energy Infrastructure Roadmap to Circularity

Developed in partnership with industry, the energy infrastructure Roadmap is a targeted action plan that guides the sector through Scotland’s transition to a circular economy - identifying challenges, enabling change, and unlocking environmental, economic, and social benefits.

13 May 2026

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wind turbines at sea with beach in foreground
  • Construction
  • Circular Economy
  • Sustainable Business

Circular Opportunities in Scotland’s Energy Sector

11 May 2026

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A heating technician working on pipes
  • Circular Economy
  • Sustainable Business

Scotland’s Clean Heat transition: a systems-based understanding

Scotland’s move away from fossil fuel-based heating systems (e.g. gas and oil boilers) to low-to-zero carbon alternatives such as heat pumps and district heating – presents a significant opportunity to embed circular economy principles across the nation’s Clean Heat sector.

17 Mar 2026

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Business meeting with people sitting around a table
  • Circular Economy

Exploring circular economy engagement amongst Scottish businesses

Research has shown that Scottish businesses have a growing awareness of the Circular Economy, but many don’t know where to start.

16 Mar 2026

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The interior of a metal pipe showing the circular exit. The pipe is being welded with sparks flying inside.
  • Circular Economy
  • Sustainable Business

Circular Jobs Tracker Report

The Circular Economy has the potential to unlock growth infor Scotland’s economy – and this report further evidences the positive impact circularity has on employment and income.  

3 Mar 2026 4 minutes

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A man in hard hat and high-vis vest on a construction site, looking down at a tablet
  • Construction
  • Circular Economy
  • Sustainable Business

Best practice adoption in Scotland’s built environment

A research report outlining how Scotland’s built environment sector currently adopts best practice waste‑reduction measures and captures embodied carbon data.

12 Feb 2026 4 minutes

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A women throwing waste into a counter
  • Recycling

Trialling Recycling Interventions to Increase Food Waste Collections

A suite of reports on the impacts of different interventions on increasing participation in food waste recycling. 

3 Feb 2026 3 minutes

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