Hundreds of firms across Scotland have been helped to set up recycling schemes to comply with new regulations.

Since the start of the year businesses have been required to separate all waste metal, plastic and card for recycling.

The Every Can Counts programme, which focuses on recycling aluminium, said it had helped 332 ­Scottish organisations become compliant with the regulations.

The free scheme is funded by drinks can manufacturers and the recycling industry. It is also supported by Zero Waste Scotland and soft drinks manufacturers like AG Barr.

Iain Gulland, director of Zero Waste Scotland, said: "Increasing our drinks can recycling rates holds both environmental and economic benefits, and it's great to support the recycling industry in driving this forward."

Andrew McFarlan, of Every Can Counts, said: "The response we've had from organisations across Scotland has surpassed our expectations, and it's really satisfying to see the positive level of interest."