Zero Waste Scotland is offering grants to help businesses develop new ways of working and to get ahead in a circular economy. 

A circular economy is one that's sustainable and eliminates waste as much as possible. It's an alternative to our current 'take, make, dispose' approach and means that products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible.

The grants are available to businesses of all sizes, plus charities, public sector organisations, and other groups based in Scotland. 

You can apply for up to £75,000, and in some cases, they might consider giving more.

The funding is available for early-stage projects that have the potential to grow significantly or be copied and used widely across a sector, industry or region.

Projects should support at least one of the following goals:

• helping people care about the circular economy by showing why it matters and how we can make it happen
• encouraging people to support circular practices by promoting new technologies, products, and services that make it easier to reuse, repair and recycle in Scotland
• making it easier for Scotland to become more circular by focusing efforts where they'll have the biggest impact
• improving understanding of what helps circular practices succeed, and encouraging organisations to work together across supply chains
• improving the systems and facilities that help Scotland reuse materials instead of throwing them away
• using fewer resources, making things last longer, reusing items, or switching to materials that are better for the environment
• helping create strong markets that make it easier to manage and process materials in Scotland

Yes, if you're an eligible organisation that wants to help grow the circular economy.

Eligible organisations include:

• small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are registered with Companies House and meet the UK government’s definition of an SME
• large organisations
• registered third sector organisations that meet the UK government’s definition of an SME – these could be
  • legally constituted organisations
  • registered charities
  • foundations
  • trusts
  • social enterprises
  • Community Interest Companies (CICs)
  • cooperatives
• public sector bodies and organisations such as councils and academic institutions

Your organisation can be headquartered outside of Scotland, but the project being funded must be based permanently in Scotland. The majority of the project's activity must take place in Scotland.  

It is free to apply for this service.  

You cannot use this funding to cover the following costs:

• the purchase of moveable infrastructure such as motor vehicles, trailers and bicycles
• accountancy fees and legal fees
• bank or financial charges
• staff travel and expenses
• insurance
• depreciation
• project activity not based in Scotland
• costs that have been incurred outwith the contract period

Organisations based permanently in Scotland, with the majority of their project activity taking place in Scotland.  

Applications are welcomed on an ongoing basis, so you can apply at any time. You'll be advised of the current processing times when you submit your application.

There is currently no cut-off date for the funding. 

Email Zero Waste Scotland grants@zerowastescotland.org.uk for an application form and supporting guidance document.