Scottish Parliament agrees to new Circular Economy Bill
THE Scottish Government has passed its new Circular Economy Bill in Holyrood, which could see extra charges added on to single-use items such as disposable cups.
The new bill is thought to help encourage more Scots to reuse and recycle these items more frequently and move away from single-use items entirely.
Gillian Martin, minister for climate action at the Scottish Government, said: “The measures in the Circular Economy Bill will give local councils and the Scottish Government the powers needed to support the sustainable use of resources and cut greenhouse gas emissions.”
The new legislation gives more tools to ministers and local authorities to increase reuse and recycling rates, says ScotGov, as well as modernise and improve waste and recycling services.
These powers include the ability to:
• set local recycling targets, building on the experience of Wales, which has the best recycling rate in the UK
• set statutory targets for delivery of a circular economy to measure progress in transforming the economy
• restrict the disposal of unsold consumer goods, to prevent good products ending up in landfill
• place charges on single-use items like disposable cups to encourage the move to reusable alternatives
• give local authorities additional enforcement powers, allowing them to crack down on flytipping and littering from cars.
The measures will be underpinned by support and investment from the Scottish Government, further building on the money raised via the Recycling Improvement Fund, which sits at £70million.
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has said that, in the short term, it is likely that many retailers will see the introduction of a charge on disposable cups but did also warn that, without a level-headed approach from ScotGov, there could be some significant changes coming for retailers.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the SRC, said: “Our Members believe it makes both environmental and economic sense to ensure the full value is taken out of used products and materials.
“Retailers are also already providing incentives through discounts and promotions to encourage consumers to reuse and recycle materials, for example many already given discounts for coffee for customers bringing their own cups.
“The challenge for Government will be using the new powers established in this legislation sensibly. When bringing forward specific policies, for example on a new disposable cup levy, it’s essential Scottish Ministers engage constructively with those who have to implement the measures to ensure they are practical and proportional.
“Moving Scotland to a more circular economy is a huge opportunity for both retail and the government if the right measures can be delivered in the right manner. We hope Scottish Ministers see the same benefit in working in partnership to help deliver this vital step in our transition to a greener more sustainable economy.”
