Proposals to cut the number of single-use, disposable items like
cups, ban the destruction of unsold goods and promote the reuse
of construction materials have received high levels of support in
a recent consultation.
The draft Circular Economy and Waste Route Map consultation asked
for views on the priority actions needed between now and the end
of the decade to increase reuse and recycling, cut waste and
drive further decarbonisation.
More than 70% of respondents backed proposals to reduce household
food waste, introduce a charge on single use, disposable items
and set new circular economy targets from 2025 – including local
recycling targets from 2030.
The final Route Map is set for publication by the end of the year
and its actions will complement provisions in the Circular
Economy Bill which was passed unanimously by MSPs in June.
Acting Net Zero Secretary said:
“Reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in
Scotland's response to tackling the climate crisis. We want to
make sustainable choices the easiest option for both people and
businesses the easiest option and the actions in our Route Map
will help make that a reality ensuring we value materials and
keep them in use for as long as possible before recycling where
possible.
“This consultation builds on a significant programme of
engagement and evidence gathering, and I want to thank all those
who have contributed to the Route Map so far. It demonstrates a
strength of support for a range of actions to promote and support
responsible production and consumption, whilst minimising the
impact of the disposal of waste which cannot be reused or
recycled.
“Ahead of the publication of the final Route Map, we're carefully
considering all feedback to ensure our transition to a circular
economy works for Scotland's businesses, public sector and
communities and helps us reach our net zero ambitions.”
Background
The second draft Circular Economy and
Waste Route Map was published for consultation in January
2024.
View the consultation
responses and the independent analysis of
consultation responses.
There were consistently high levels of support across the Route
Map's priority and further actions. Agreement percentages ranged
from 71% to 81% (the percentage of respondents who answered
‘agree' or ‘strongly agree'). The table below summarises the
support levels.
|
Actions within the Route Map by strategic
aim
|
% of those answering who agree or strongly
agree
|
|
Reduce and reuse: priority actions
|
77%
|
|
Reduce and reuse: further actions
|
71%
|
|
Modernise recycling: priority actions
|
76%
|
|
Modernise recycling: further actions
|
76%
|
|
Decarbonise disposal: priority actions
|
78%
|
|
Decarbonise disposal: further actions
|
78%
|
|
Strengthen the circular economy: priority actions
|
76%
|
|
Strengthen the circular economy: further actions
|
81%
|
Further consultation on introducing a charge for the single use
cups is expected to be launched shortly.
