This website was officially opened at the launch of Orkney ZeroWaste on 1st June 2006 at Kirkwall Town Hall by Alistair Carmichael MP.

ZeroWaste - The Policy

ZeroWaste is an alternative approach to that of traditional waste management, which shifts the emphasis from disposal of waste to elimination of waste. First and foremost it is a philosophy for eliminating waste at source and at all points down the supply chain, from design, through to manufacturing, marketing, distribution, consumption and final disposal, but it also incorporates end-of-pipe solutions for recycling and resource recovery. ZeroWaste also creates economic wealth, provides additional employment, training initiatives and addresses a host of other social and environmental problems. ZeroWaste is a community driven strategy, where everyone needs to take responsibility. In Orkney, this would include the Orkney Islands Council, SEPA, local industries and businesses, retailers, schools and educators, community associations, national and local charities, voluntary organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals.

Orkney ZeroWaste - The Organisation

Orkney ZeroWaste is registered as a company limited by guarantee, set up to implement this strategy in Orkney. The company, which is also recognised as a Scottish charity, has a board composed of 10 full directors together with 2 additional board advisors, one from SEPA and one from the Disabled services sector. The board of directors includes people from a wide range of interests and expertise, from environmental consultants, Orkney College and local businesses. There is a current registration of interest in Orkney of over 100 individuals, as well as a number of businesses committed to being involved in OZ initiatives.

Orkney ZeroWaste - The methods

Orkney ZeroWaste concentrates on local businesses, industries and retailers to reduce waste production at source, as well as promoting waste awareness amongst the general public to make better consumer choices and improve domestic waste habits. We work with existing structures in place to reduce, reuse and recycle various waste streams in Orkney. These include the council's municipal waste collection and disposal strategies, local and national charities already involved in recyclables for fundraising, and individuals and businesses refurbishing or reusing waste materials in entrepreneurial enterprises. We also encourage innovation in the field of reusing and recycling various waste streams, looking for new, local solutions for specific local waste problems. An example of this is the research project currently underway to investigate the processing and use of mixed plastic waste in Orkney.