ScotGov seeks public views on additional charges
THE Scottish Government has opened a new consultation on the possible introduction of a 25p charge to all single-use drinks cups when a drink is bought, regardless of material.
Following the confirmation of the new Circular Economy Bill, which MSPs passed in June this year, ScotGov has now confirmed it is seeking to potentially introduce a 25p charge on all single-use drinks cups including coffee cups and slushie cups in c-stores.
Gillian Martin (pictured), acting net zero secretary, said: “While many businesses already have offers in place to encourage the use of reusable drinks cups, hundreds of millions of single-use cups are still being discarded, creating 5,400 tonnes of waste every year.
“Many of these cups end up littering our roadsides, town centres, beaches and parks. Introducing a national charge could provide consistency for consumers, provide a level playing field for retailer and businesses and help to drive forward sustainable behaviours.”
The new consultation follows on from news earlier in August that the new Circular Economy Bill received massive support from the public, with 70% of respondents backing the new bill.
ScotGov said an estimated 388million single-use cups were used in Scotland in 2021-22, which helped to create this 5,400 tonnes of waste.
Martin confirmed that, should the charge be introduced, it would be implemented in a similar fashion to the 5p charge on single-use carrier bags, in a bid to ensure the legislation would be familiar to retailers and members of the public.
If implemented in this way it could mean the 25p charge would go direct into the pockets of retailers, supermarkets as well as in the massive coffee chains across the UK, though ScotGov could implement regulations to ensure this money goes directly to environmental charities across the UK.
The single-use carrier bag charge did see some success as well, with the Marine Conservation society reporting an 80% drop in plastic bags found on UK beaches since its implementation. ScotGov hopes it will be able to recreate a similar effect with this new levy.
Despite this, industry members across the sector remain sceptical about the implementation of the new charge, especially during a time of such financial concern.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “Retailers are already taking action to improve the recycling of cups and reduce the use of disposable cups, including offering financial incentives to use reusable containers and changing materials to be more biodegradable.
“Therefore we question, at a time where the economy is flatlining and high streets are struggling, whether this is the time to introduce a new cost to hard-pressed consumers.
“Furthermore, we oppose proposals to hypothecate the proceeds purely to environmental causes. We believe retailers are best placed to decide how the proceeds can help good causes in their local community.”
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has similarly expressed concern over the financial viability of this scheme and how this will serve to further strain households’ budgets. The industry organisation also confirmed it was seeking feedback from its own members on the matter.
Pete Cheema, chief executive at the SGF, said: “It is well understood that regulation lands heaviest on small businesses. Local convenience stores, and local producers, are closely tied to the success and wellbeing of the communities they service.
“Providing a range of essential goods and services, as well as vital local employment and an economic multiplier effect. Furthermore, regulations put a strain on households’ budgets, adding to cost-of-living crisis.
“SGF is actively participating in the consultation on single-use beverage cups and will continue to engage with the government, retailers, and our producer members throughout this process. We are currently part of the Single-Use Cups advisory group and have distributed a survey to our members to gather their feedback on the proposals.”
Mo Razzaq, national president of The Fed, said: “We are concerned that the government is considering implementing the charge on all single-use disposable cups, regardless of the material used.
“The government tries to justify this move as its first step towards reducing environmental harm caused by waste. With more sustainable cups, such as those made from biodegradable material or bio-based plastics included, there will be no incentive for retailers to buy and serve drinks in recycled materials.
“The Fed is calling for urgent talks between the government and retail organisation.”
Those looking to make a response to the ongoing consultation can do so until 14 November, when it will close, via this link.
