Over 50 tonnes of waste destined for Glasgow city centre litter bins has been used to create employment and environmental improvements, as people embrace Scotland's first city centre recycling banks.

Glasgow Recycles is a pioneering partnership project which began in March '08 and set out to tackle social, environmental and economic issues in the city, introducing recycling banks to city centre litter hotspots, using a team of local unemployed people to raise awareness.

Glasgow Recycles, delivered in partnership with Danone Waters (UK and Ireland), Valpak Consulting, Glasgow City Council, the Wise Group and Waste Aware Scotland, installed fifteen recycling banks throughout Glasgow City Centre to collect paper, cans and plastic bottles.

The training and employment opportunities gained helped all participants move into employment.

Valpak Consulting calculated that the balance of the working partnership was a strong force behind the success of the project, which has been economically positive.

Steve Gough Chief Executive of Valpak Limited said:

"This is the first time that anyone has pulled together all parts of a project and given them an economic value. From this we can clearly see that partnership working is crucial for social, economic and environmental sustainability."

Laurie Russell, the Chief Executive of the Wise Group said:

"It's a fantastic example of social enterprise, private and public sectors, working in partnership to ensure environmental and social improvements to Glasgow."

The Glasgow Recycles executive summary is attached.

If you wish to find out more about the Glasgow Recycles project please call 0141 314 3521 or email: consulting@valpak.co.uk