Legislation giving Scottish Ministers and local authorities the
tools needed to increase reuse and recycling rates, as well as
modernise and improve waste and recycling services, has been
passed.
The Circular Economy Bill will give Ministers the powers 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,
building on the investments already made through the £70 million
Recycling Improvement Fund.
Minister for Climate Action said: “There are huge
opportunities in having an economy which makes reuse and
recycling the default choice for Scottish households, businesses
and the public sector.
“We have already seen businesses creating jobs by turning what we
might otherwise throw away into valuable new products and
services.
“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.
“For people to do the right thing for the planet, it is crucial
that everyone experiences a modern, easy to use waste service.
“We will continue to work with local authorities and householders
to co-design how these powers are implemented to take account of
different circumstances and needs on our journey towards a truly
circular economy.”
Background
More information on the Circular Economy Bill: Circular Economy
(Scotland) Bill – Bills (proposed laws) – Scottish Parliament |
Scottish Parliament Website
Recycling Improvement Fund: Recycling Improvement Fund
(RIF) | Zero Waste Scotland
