Views sought on transitioning to a circular economy.
Proposals to increase reuse and recycling and cut waste are being
put forward as part of a consultation.
Reducing single-use, disposable items like cups, banning the
destruction of unsold goods and promoting the reuse of
construction materials are just some of the actions being
suggested as part of the draft Circular Economy and Waste Route
Map consultation.
Over the past ten years, the total amount of waste going to
landfill in Scotland has dropped by over a third, with the most
recent official statistics showing that Scotland met its 2025
target to reduce all waste by 15%.
Following an initial consultation in 2022, the new route map sets
out a plan for new, national reuse and recycling targets along
with priority actions needed between now and the end of the
decade to help drive Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.
The actions complement provisions in the draft Circular Economy
Bill which is currently at stage 1 in Parliament and include
proposals for the creation of local recycling targets, reflecting
the success of Wales which has one of the highest household
recycling rates in the world.
Circular Economy Minister said: “We have already made
good progress across Scotland, significantly reducing the amount
of waste we generate and landfill, but we need to go further if
reusing and recycling goods is to become the default choice for
households, businesses and the public sector.
“For people to do the right thing for the planet, it is crucial
that everyone experiences a modern, easy to use waste
service. This second consultation sets out our priority actions
and the tools we will put in place to help everyone play their
part in cutting waste and capitalising on the economic
opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses. I
urge everyone to take part.”
Background
The second consultation on the
Circular Economy and Waste Route Map is available on the
Scottish Government website and will run until 15 March. It takes
on board the feedback from the initial consultation in
2022, including the ask to consult on the key priorities. The
final Route Map is scheduled to be published later in 2024.
An environmental report has been published alongside the Route
Map, covering findings on the likely environmental implications
arising from the Route Map’s proposals
The proposed priorities in the Route Map are to:
- reduce food waste from households and businesses
- significantly improve recycling from households and
businesses
- embed circular construction practices – including the
development of regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse
of construction materials and assets
- set new circular economy targets from 2025, which will run
until at least 2030
- minimise the impact of disposal of waste that cannot be
reused or recycled
- promote and support responsible production and consumption
(including tackling consumption of single-use items and promoting
reuse)
- strengthen our data and evidence of the environmental impact
of actions, sustainable procurement practices, and skills and
training
Scottish Environmental
Protection Agency Waste Data for Scotland
