This week on the Rubbish Talk Podcast we welcome a special guest – Michael Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Circular Communities Scotland – for an in-depth conversation about the role of community-led projects in building a circular economy. Michael’s journey into the sector wasn’t part of a grand plan; he began his career in financial services before moving into the third sector, where he has now spent seven years leading an organisation that has grown from just four staff to a team of ten, and from 115 members to an impressive 268 charities and social enterprises.
Circular Communities Scotland’s mission is to work nationally, focus on community-led action, and support projects that keep resources in use for as long as possible. Michael explains that the charity’s work falls into two main strands: supporting its members through events, training, and resources such as funding seminars, and representing them at policy level, advocating for changes that make reuse and repair easier. Their recently published Reuse First Manifesto calls for exactly these kinds of systemic shifts.
Although the sector is growing, Michael is clear that challenges remain. Competing with cheap, quickly replaced products is difficult, especially when repair costs can outweigh replacement prices. Funding uncertainty is a constant issue for many third-sector organisations, often forcing them into short-term planning. There is also a pressing need for product design standards that make items more repairable and longer lasting. Michael points out that the benefits of reuse are not as visible as a wind turbine or an electric car, but the impacts are real—creating jobs, reducing poverty, strengthening communities, and cutting carbon emissions.
Changing mindsets is a big part of the challenge. Michael would like to see second-hand and reused goods become socially desirable rather than “second best.” His vision is for sharing libraries and repair hubs to be a fixture on every high street, backed by a level playing field that allows circular economy businesses to compete on price. He also believes we need to better communicate the social and environmental benefits of reuse, repair, and sharing so they are valued alongside more visible environmental initiatives.
For anyone wanting to get involved, Michael recommends visiting their website and using the “Reuse Near Me” map to find local projects by material type. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or simply learn more, there’s likely a project near you making a difference.
The key takeaway from this episode is that a circular economy is as much about people as it is about resources. By rethinking how we use and value our possessions, we can create jobs, support communities, and protect the planet.
Useful Links from Michael:
🌐 Website: circularcommunities.scot
📍 Member Map: Find a reuse project near you
📄 Impact Report 2024: Read here
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