Draft Circular Economy Strategy Consultation

Thank you for completing this survey.

You can now read the East Dunbartonshire Circular Economy Strategy, as well as the survey findings that helped to finalise the strategy.
 

East Dunbartonshire Council has produced a Draft Circular Economy Strategy (CES) following extensive research and engagement with internal services, and external partners and businesses.

We would like to hear what you think of the Draft Strategy as a local citizen, business owner or representative of a community group or other organisation.

Once you have read the Draft Strategy you can respond through the consultation survey (CLOSED). There is also an online map you can use to highlight local circular economy activities (CLOSED).

If you would prefer a PDF version of the Draft Strategy, please email development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Have your say between 4 January and 3 February 2023.

Consultation Events

In addition to reading the draft strategy and giving us your views, you can attend the following live online consultation events:

There will also be Circular Economy pop-up stands where you can view and discuss the strategy, at the following locations:

What is the Circular Economy?

In a Circular Economy, all waste is minimised as far as possible, with materials being kept in use or repurposed for as long as possible. It is a shift away from a disposable culture, in which everything is designed to be thrown away after use.

Waste is a huge contributor to global climate and environmental crises, and it is therefore essential that the manufacturing, consumption and disposal of materials are part of the movement towards sustainability.

In a Circular Economy, the end of a product’s lifecycle is considered in the design process, waste is avoided in the manufacturing process and everything is designed to last for multiple uses or to be broken down into reusable, recyclable or biodegradable components when the user is finished with it.

Reducing resource extraction, pollution and waste has a positive impact on providers of goods and services by reducing costs, driving innovation and opening up new markets. It also encourages local businesses, anchor organisations and communities to support each other by sourcing goods and materials locally.

A successful Circular Economy also requires the support of the organisations and individuals who purchase and use goods and services. We can all contribute to the reduction of waste by making sustainable choices where these are available to us.

What is in the Draft Strategy?

The Draft Circular Economy Strategy is now available to read (CLOSED).

The purpose of the Circular Economy Strategy is to ensure that the Council has an evidenced and co-ordinated approach that will accelerate the shift towards a Circular Economy. It sets out how the Council as an organisation will make its own processes and material use circular and also how the Council and its community partners will support businesses and other local organisations to become circular.

The draft actions presented in the strategy were developed in collaboration with members of the East Dunbartonshire Economic Partnership, a Circular Economy Ambassador Group with a board of local stakeholders (including representatives from the local business and social enterprise community) and with teams across the Council as part of the Net Zero Working Group. It ties in with work on the Council's Economic Recovery Plan, Climate Action Plan, Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Active Travel Strategy.

Available alongside the draft Circular Economy Strategy is a detailed Background Report, which sets out the policy landscape and best practice examples which have informed the development of the draft. You can request a copy by emailing development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 4510.

The actions in the Draft CES are presented within 16 action areas, across three broad themes:

• Actions for Council Services (action areas 1-8)
• Actions for Businesses and Social Enterprises (action areas 9-13)
• Actions for Communities (action areas 14-16).

The action areas are as follows:

1.            Procurement – Support the Circular Economy through Council Procurement

2.            Built Environment – Encourage the Reuse of Existing Buildings and Land

3.            Construction – Minimise Waste and Reuse Materials

4.            Council Assets – Maximise the Use Value of Material Assets

5.            ICT – Use Technology to Drive New Ways of Creating Value in a Circular Economy

6.            Waste – Provide Services to Support Reuse and Recycling

7.            Collaboration with Community Planning Partnership

8.            Collaboration with other Scottish Councils and Public Bodies

9.            Online Circular Economy Support and Information for Businesses and Social Enterprises

10.          Tailored Support for Businesses

11.          Tailored Support for Social Enterprises and the Third Sector

12.          Circular Economy in Town Centres

13.          Recognition of Circular Organisations

14.          Online Support and Information on the Circular Economy for Residents

15.          Circular Economy Community Engagement Activities

16.          Develop a Workforce of all ages to be Equipped for a Circular Future

If you have any questions or require any assistance, please get in touch by emailing development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 4510.