Circular Economy
Glasgow has declared a climate and ecological emergency and is committed to a fair and inclusive transition to climate resilience and net zero. The circular economy gives us tools to tackle the climate and ecological emergency and supports Glasgow in its journey. It is a sustainable development framework that benefits:
The Environment - Helping reduce carbon emissions, overconsumption of valuable resources, and overproduction of waste.
The Economy - Disconnecting economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, by circulating materials and products that are already in use.
Our communities - Creating local supply chains and a local economy that opens up opportunities for employment and wealth creation within our communities, in an equitable and socially inclusive way.
The recently updated Circular Economy Route Map for Glasgow 2025-2030 celebrates the great examples and progress whilst highlighting the need to push forward and stimulate further action. It builds on existing activities and initiatives and drives progress towards an equitable circular Glasgow. The Circular Economy Action Plan, included in the Route Map, is a plan of how the council, businesses, communities, people and the entire city will continue to work together to help Glasgow become circular.
Circular Economy Route Map and Action Plan – Themes and priorities
To deliver the Circular Economy Route Map for Glasgow, the Council cannot do this in isolation. Collaboration with partners, key stakeholders, and the citizens of Glasgow will be required. It is essential that all stakeholders play their part in stimulating and driving action.
The Circular Economy Working Group has been set up with the aim to facilitate and drive the delivery of the Circular Economy Route Map and Action Plan. Participants include Council teams, as well as external stakeholders, like the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Circular Glasgow and Zero Waste Scotland, and other stakeholders that play a pivotal role in the circular economy and the delivery of Glasgow’s circular city vision.
The Circular Economy Route Map 2025-2030 will be delivered through stakeholders coming together to deliver priorities highlighted within the Action Plan. This is a city-wide plan consisting of 29 actions, grouped under seven themes aimed at facilitating Glasgow’s transition to becoming a circular city. The themes for action are presented below. Click on each section to view highlights of activity to date.
Click to learn about some key activities in Glasgow
Built and Natural Environment
Circular Hubs
Circular Practices
Engagement, Communication, and Skills
Monitoring and Evaluation
Plastics
Procurement
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Last updated 24 April 2025