Zero Waste Scotland is set to join NatureScot and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in a new national environment body under plans announced in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government.
Scottish Forestry could also become part of the organisation, which is intended to combine the expertise and key functions of the existing bodies while removing barriers and improving the impact of Scotland’s environmental work.
Consultation and stakeholder engagement are expected to begin in the autumn. The Scottish Government has indicated that the new body could be ready to begin operating by 2029.
In a message to stakeholders, Zero Waste Scotland said it supported the ambition to improve outcomes for people, nature and the economy and would play an active role in shaping the new organisation.
It also sought to reassure partners that its existing programmes would continue during the transition.
Chief executive Ciaran McGuigan said work continues “at pace” and with the full support of the Scottish Government.
I can assure all who support our collaborative work to build the circular economy that this work continues at pace and with the full support of the Scottish Government.
He said: “Zero Waste Scotland recognises and supports the principle of Public Service Reform in Scotland. We support the emphasis placed by the Scottish Government on delivering even better outcomes for the people of Scotland and we will continue to play our part in building the more circular economy that we know contributes to the future economic and environmental health of the nation.
“While the work of consulting on and then creating the new body will develop over the coming year or so, I can assure all who support our collaborative work to build the circular economy that this work continues at pace and with the full support of the Scottish Government.”
Zero Waste Scotland has operated under that name since 2010, initially as the Scottish Government’s single zero-waste delivery programme managed by the UK-wide Waste and Resources Action Programme. It became an independent, not-for-profit organisation in 2014 and an executive non-departmental public body in 2024.
Today, it is Scotland’s dedicated circular-economy public body. It works with government, businesses, local authorities and communities to reduce the consumption of natural resources, prevent waste and keep products and materials in use for longer.
Its work includes producing research and evidence, advising ministers, bringing organisations together and supporting practical action on resource efficiency, reuse, recycling and behaviour change.
The organisation plays a central role in delivering Scotland’s wider circular-economy ambitions. The Scottish Government’s Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030 contains 11 priority actions covering waste reduction and reuse, recycling reform, lower-carbon waste disposal and measures to strengthen the circular economy.
A separate Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland, published in March 2026, sets out a longer-term vision to 2045. It aims to move Scotland away from a “take, make and dispose” economy and initially focuses on the built environment, energy infrastructure, textiles, transport and food.
The strategy and route map are underpinned by the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which provides powers to establish national targets and introduce further measures covering recycling, waste prevention and the sustainable use of materials.
Zero Waste Scotland said its focus throughout the reform process would remain firmly on delivering that transition.
