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The programmes include infrastructure and enforcement fund, innovation fund and product and service development fund.
Businesses, local authorities and third sector organizations are being invited to put forward new ideas to help prevent and tackle Scotland’s litter problem.
The funds intend to enhance current systems and pilot new ideas, test creative initiatives around behaviour change as well as encourage product or service changes.
The funds part of the Scottish Government’s national litter strategy, Towards a Litter-Free Scotland, which was launched in June 2014.
Scotland Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said litter impacts public health and the environment, and costs the country at least £53m a year to tackle public money that could be better spent on other things.
"It is unsightly and expensive – that’s why the Scottish Government is taking the initiative with the country’s first litter strategy, which aims to tackle this problem comprehensively and creatively," Lochhead added.
ZWS director Iain Gulland said the bids may include a communications plan, a new product, a new system, a new method of community engagement, or a new innovative solution.
"I would urge any individual, group or agency with a plan or an idea which fits the criteria to get in touch to find out if we can help make it happen," Gulland added.
Image: Scotland Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead. Photo: Courtesy of the Scottish Government.
