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ZERO WASTE SCOTLAND Knowledge is power: Shaping a Often a source of data to the public, it is vital that frontline staff, whether that be recycling crews To help the industry, Zero Waste Scotland has developed a course to help councils improve n April 2013 Zero Waste Scotland pilot- ed newly developed c o m m u n i c a t i o n s training for frontline staff with a key role to play in waste and recycling collection services. The rationale for this was clear – in a rap- idly changing industry it's key that all players have access to the necessary training to carry out their jobs confi- dently and with an understanding of the end goals. In recent years we have seen a shift take place in the sector, with materials previously thought of as 'waste' now being realised as valuable resources, with this trend only set to grow as these materials become scarcer. Policies and targets drive this change, both on a national level and at a broader European or global level, but if we want to have a world-lead- ing resource industry, it's key that we have a strong workforce behind it – one which is motivated, highly skilled and ready to react quickly to the changing needs of the sector. Often a source of information to the public, it's vital that frontline staff – whether that be waste and recycling crews, Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) or call cen- tre staff – have an appreciation and understanding of the bigger picture. A confident and well prepared work force will make a difference to the extent and quality of participation in recycling. Zero Waste Scotland's Frontline Communications Training package, which was developed in partnership with WRAP, can be made available to qualifying local authorities at no cost, and can contribute to the achieve- ment of a Level 2 Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ). Take up has been encouraging, with 13 local authorities in Scotland making use of the train- ing, and in October 2014 the 1000th delegate successfully completed the course. The training course is open to local authorities who are looking to increase their recycling rates through changes to their waste or recycling services, the introduction of food waste recycling, or a focus on higher quality of materi- als. All training is delivered by Albion Environmental. Five interactive training sessions, each of which is designed to be com- pleted in 20 minutes to easily fit in with employee's time, make up the package: • Session one aims to provide staff members with an understanding of the bigger picture, including their role in increasing recycling- performance in the area. The ses- sion is designed to get partici- pants thinking about the mate- rials they collect as resources which have a value. The concept of the waste hierarchy is intro- duced. • Session two focuses on the impor- tance of local recycling opera- tions, as well as looking at where and how materials are recycling. Graphics show how the recy- cling rate has progressed, and the reasons for the local authority's choice of system are discussed. • Session three provides participants with an understanding of their role in reducing environmental pollu- tion and in helping to maintain the environment. The issue of contam- 22 Local Authority Waste & Recycling January 2015 I Aberdeenshire Council is changing their recycling service over a 16 month period, providing all 114,500 households in the area with an enhanced recycling service, collecting many more recyclable materials in one bin, making recycling easier for householders. Every house in Aberdeenshire is also being provided with a weekly food waste collection service, turning food scraps into compost – a valuable fertiliser in the fields of Aberdeenshire. The council were offered the frontline staff training as part of a package of support offered by Zero Waste Scotland to help the transition to the new recycling service. Matt Davis, waste management officer at the council, commented: "The training was great and really helped get key messages across to our frontline teams. It was well delivered and very comprehensive." Stuart Grant, 27, who recently joined Aberdeenshire Council as a skilled waste operative, based at the Council's Banchory depot, is the 1000th delegate to successfully complete the training course. Stuart said: "Being new to the team and to the industry, it was great to be offered this training. I've now got a good understanding of the local issues and of how my work helps to contribute to the recycling rate in the area. I also feel confident answering questions from the public." Stuart's line manager, Andy Sheridan, Principal Waste Officer for South Aberdeenshire added: "The training has empowered our frontline staff to answer a lot of regular queries they get on the front line as they collect the recycling bins and food waste caddies. It gives them more knowledge and increases their ownership of the service, as well as pleasing customers in that they get their answer immediately from the 'man on the street', they don't have to call or check the website for something." Case study – Aberdeenshire Council Knowledge is power: Shaping a Often a source of data to the public, it is vital that frontline staff, whether that be recycling crews To help the industry, Zero Waste Scotland has developed a course to help councils improve

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