Zero Waste Scotland is offering grants to support activity that helps businesses adopt or apply circular economy practices. 

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

To receive a grant, you must be able to show that your project will have an impact beyond your individual business or organisation.

The grants are available for projects led by businesses of all sizes, plus charities, public sector organisations, and other groups.

You can apply for up to £75,000 for your project, and in some cases, it might be possible to receive more.

Business-as-usual activities or projects that will only affect an individual business are unlikely to receive this grant.

Your project must also (at least one of the following):

• help people care by advocating for change and demonstrating how it can be done
• make circularity easier and work strategically to address barriers to the circular economy
• improve the infrastructure needed to accelerate adoption of a circular economy
• make it easier for Scotland's economy to become more circular by focusing efforts where they'll have the biggest impact
• improve understanding of what helps circular practices succeed and work with organisations across supply chains
• help create strong markets that make it easier to manage and process materials in Scotland
• improve the systems and facilities that help Scotland reuse materials instead of throwing them away
• encourage people to support circular practices by promoting new technologies, products and services

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

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 receiving funding must be based permanently in Scotland, and the majority of its activity must take place in Scotland.

You must demonstrate that the project will have an impact at the Scottish level, not just within your individual business or organisation.

It is free to apply for this service.  

You'll need to be able to cover the costs upfront, then claim it back afterwards through the grant.

You cannot use this funding to cover the following costs:

• business-as-usual 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.