Household Recycling Code of Practice: Consultation document

Development of the Code

The Household Recycling Code of Practice has been developed through an extensive co-design process that brought together local government, industry, public bodies, citizens and third-sector organisations to shape the content of the Code. The co-design process and the supporting data that led to the conclusions presented in this document are set out in the Co-design Report^[4]. It sets out how greater consistency in collection systems could improve recycling performance, increase the capture of recyclable materials and reduce contamination.

Rather than traditional policy development, the Scottish Government and local government agreed a collaborative methodology that ensured those responsible for delivering recycling services were directly involved in designing them, and other stakeholders in the sector could ensure their needs and interests were represented. This reflects an intention to design a Code jointly with those in receipt of the services, responsible for delivering them or impacted by any changes.

The co-design process was built around a shared Vision for the Code agreed jointly by Scottish Government and local government. This Vision established that future recycling services should;

• maximise value of materials and economic opportunities for local authorities
• drive performance nationally and locally against climate and waste targets
• promote more consistent, high quality, deliverable and affordable services that take account of local circumstances and economics
• address specific challenges (e.g. rurality, communal properties)
• and make the right choices easier for householders and easier to communicate for local government.

The Vision provided a framework against which options and recommendations were assessed throughout development, ensuring decisions were not only based on value for money and modelled impact on recycling rates, but also on the wider priorities of stakeholders.

A structured programme of engagement underpinned the development of the Code. This included three in-person co-design workshops, online events, stakeholder surveys, and targeted discussions with specialist stakeholders. Participation was extensive, with all 32 Scottish local authorities contributing to the process alongside representatives from public bodies, waste management organisations, producer responsibility organisations or environmental non-governmental organisations, community interests and industry stakeholders. Additional engagement opportunities were provided to ensure that organisations unable to attend workshops could contribute views and expertise.

Evidence and research formed a critical component of the process to support stakeholder consideration of the content of the Code. The Scottish Government commissioned Eunomia to support the co-design process, including cost-benefit analysis, options appraisal and financial modelling.

This was complemented by research, analysis and data from the Scottish Government’s Research and Analytical Services and Behavioural Insights, Zero Waste Scotland and the Waste and Resources Action Programme. Relevant sources are cited within this consultation document. Workshop participants were provided with pre-reading materials, modelling outputs and evidence summaries ahead of discussions, ensuring that discussions were grounded in a common understanding of the available evidence. Evidence was considered alongside the operational insight and practical experience of stakeholders. In several areas, modelling identified clear environmental or recycling benefits, but stakeholders highlighted implementation challenges, infrastructure constraints, affordability concerns or unintended consequences that required further consideration – particularly in relation to managing food and garden waste. As a result, proposals were refined through discussion to ensure they reflected both technical evidence and operational reality.

The co-design process allowed the Code to be designed using operational knowledge. Waste managers and service delivery professionals were able to provide insight into collection logistics, infrastructure limitations, procurement cycles, service user behaviour, contamination management and the practical realities of delivering services across urban, rural, island and communal property settings that cannot be replicated through modelling alone.

The resulting Code is therefore the product of collaboration. Throughout development, decisions were shaped through the combination of data, evidence, professional expertise and practical experience. This balance has been fundamental to producing a Code of Practice that reflects both Scotland's circular economy ambitions and the realities of delivering high-quality recycling services across diverse communities.