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In terms of measurement, we refer to response S5W-32336, on 10 November 2020, S5W-32200 on 30 October 2020, and S5W-32198 on 30 October 2020, which highlight that annual data is not currently collected or held centrally for the categories identified in this question; however, actions to develop monitoring and reporting infrastructure, together with improvement in measurement methodologies, will support an enhanced capacity for food waste and surplus measurement and reporting going forward.A full review of the Food Waste Reduction Action Plan progress is scheduled for 2021.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

This information is not held centrally. The Scottish Institute for Remanufacture (SIR) has enabled 23 companies to deploy new manufacturing technologies and processes into their businesses in Scotland. The SIR and the University of Strathclyde have also worked with standard setting bodies to develop remanufacturing standards, influenced the creation of the European Remanufacturing Council, and had involvement with product specific steering committees.

Food waste reduction is now a standing agenda item for the NHS Waste Management Steering Group and the Catering Services Experts Group. Both groups are working with Zero Waste Scotland to develop a food waste reduction strategy for NHS Scotland and a national action plan. The outputs from previously held workshops are being used, along with findings from pilot studies in key regional boards, to develop the national action plan and subsequent regional board plans. The plan will apply to all facilities within each board with focus on acute settings in the first instance, where food waste is most prevalent.

Since 2016, nine projects have been formally supported, through Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Investment Fund, that utilise food and drink waste or by-products. Since 2016, Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Business Support Service has supported 15 SMEs in the pursuit of turning food waste or food by-product into secondary products. Additionally, support has been provided to targeted sectors under Zero Waste Scotland’s Food and Drink Advice and Support Service through the provision of food waste audits. Food waste audits have been provided to 30 bakeries and 10 breweries, identifying the opportunity to provide waste bread to breweries as a malt replacement in brewing amongst other waste prevention measures, including redistribution opportunities.

Annual data is not available for the quantities or types of all materials diverted, but that we do have some data for priority materials. Materials that could have ended up in the food waste stream have been diverted through redistribution to people, to animals or to the bioeconomy. Zero Waste Scotland launched their Food Redistribution Matchmaking Service in July 2020 and this service looks to partner redistribution organisations with businesses who have surplus edible food to feed people.

Distillery by-products are an important feed for the livestock sector. In 2019 for instance, 112,000 tonnes of whisky by-products was diverted to animal feed. Food surplus from manufacturing, retail and hospitality and food service is also diverted to produce animal feed, 660,000 tonnes across the UK in 2015.

Fareshare receives some financial support from the Scottish Government and since 2014 has redistributed over 10,000 tonnes of surplus to people and away from the waste stream.

The response to S5W-32342 provides details of Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Investment Fund, Circular Economy business Support Service and Food and Drink Advice and Support Services that relates to materials being diverted to the bio economy and therefore not entering the waste stream.

Inedible food waste that cannot be utilised for purposes higher up the hierarchy of food should be diverted to anaerobic digestion, composting and landspreading. Estimates of quantities of materials diverted from the food waste stream through anaerobic digestion and composting are shown in the table below:

The planned consultation on the range of commitments identified in the Food Waste Reduction Action Plan, has been delayed by a number of factors, including the recent Covid-19 crisis. We remain committed to consulting on the Scottish Government’s proposals for reviewing the rural exemption for food waste in due course.

The Scottish Government has regular dialogue with organisations across all levels of football to discuss a wide range of issues, including community and amateur football.

The Scottish Government is working closely with COSLA and all local authorities to deliver the Restrictions Fund, including monitoring arrangements to record the numbers of applications received and payments made. Information for Closure and Hardships Funds which applied for the period 9 October– 2 November is published on the Scottish Government website, and we will ensure this information is updated regularly.

The Food Waste Reduction Action Plan (FWRAP) was published in April 2019. It sets out how Scotland can work towards achieving the target and reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill, including building on existing food redistribution activities.

Alongside taking positive action to reduce food waste, the Scottish Government has provided funding to FareShare, a national charity that distributes surplus and donated food from the food industry to community organisations.

Direct funding provided to FareShare is outlined in the following table.

The number of Home Energy Scotland loans issued, the value of those issued and the value of repaid loans, since its launch are:

Number of loans issued by year since launch of scheme