What is the impact of landfill delays on Scotland's waste management?

Landfill delays by the regulator in Scotland could lead to backlogs when incinerators break down, according to experts.

How do Scotland's recycling rates compare to the rest of the UK?

Efforts to encourage recycling in Scotland have barely budged the dial, with rates lagging behind the rest of the UK, especially Wales.

What is the Scottish government's stance on new incinerators?

The Scottish government announced in 2022 that no more incinerators will be allowed beyond those already under consideration, due to concerns about overcapacity.

Home / Environment / Landfill Delays Risk Incinerator Backlog in Scotland

Landfill Delays Risk Incinerator Backlog in Scotland

5 Nov

•

Summary

Regulator delays in allowing waste to landfill
Incinerators breaking down could lead to backlogs
Scotland's recycling rates lag behind rest of UK

Landfill Delays Risk Incinerator Backlog in Scotland

As of November 5th, 2025, Scotland is facing a potential waste management crisis due to delays in allowing waste to go to landfill and the limited capacity of its incinerators. Experts warn that these delays by the regulator could lead to backlogs when incinerators break down, causing further disruptions.

Landfill is seen as the least environmentally sustainable way of handling waste, as it involves simply dumping waste in a hole in the ground and covering it over. However, landfill taxes have made this option increasingly more expensive than incineration, where waste is burned in a furnace to generate electricity.

Despite efforts to encourage recycling, Scotland's recycling rates have barely budged, lagging behind the rest of the UK, especially Wales. Several new incinerators are either in the planning or construction stages, which should help close the capacity gap within the next two years.