A Turning Point for Scotland

The Scottish Parliament has made a significant stride towards sustainability by passing the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill unanimously on 26 June 2024. This groundbreaking legislation, introduced by Gillian Martin, Minister for Climate Action, aims to transform waste management practices across Scotland, promoting a circular economy where resources are used more sustainably and efficiently.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill mandates the preparation and publication of a comprehensive Circular Economy Strategy every five years. This strategy will outline objectives and plans for advancing Scotland’s circular economy, considering factors such as the waste hierarchy, just transition principles, behavioural changes, and international impacts.

Ministers are also required to publish guidance on prohibiting or restricting the disposal of unsold consumer goods, and suppliers may need to charge for specified single-use items like disposable beverage cups and single-use vapes. Additionally, new enforcement measures will address household waste management, with penalties for non-compliance and deliberate contamination of recycling bins.

A notable aspect of the bill is the introduction of a civil penalty charge for littering from vehicles, targeting the registered keeper of the vehicle involved. To combat waste crime, enforcement authorities are empowered to stop, search, and seize vehicles suspected of illegal waste disposal.

Supporting a Just Transition

The bill has been strengthened to include measures that ensure support for workers and communities affected by the transition to a circular economy. This aligns with the just transition principles outlined in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, which emphasise fairness and inclusivity in the shift to a low-carbon economy.

Scottish Ministers will also set local authority targets related to reducing carbon emissions, increasing re-use, refurbishment, repair, and recycling, and reducing waste. A pre-laying procedure for the first regulations on these targets ensures transparency and stakeholder input, including a 90-day representation period for feedback.

Positive Reactions and Some Concerns

Environmental groups and political parties have broadly welcomed the bill. Kim Pratt from Friends of the Earth Scotland called it a potential “turning point for Scotland,” emphasising the need to move away from a throwaway culture. However, concerns remain about the absence of specific recycling targets, despite Scotland’s current low recycling rates.

Phoebe Cochrane from Scottish Environment LINK highlighted the bill as a crucial milestone in reducing overall material consumption and addressing climate and environmental impacts. Meanwhile, Line Christensen from the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) praised the bill for its potential global benefits, including reducing carbon footprints and tackling environmental abuses.

Perspectiva WasteTrade

La WasteTrade, we are always glad to see governments taking action to reduce waste and increase circularity, and the passing of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill is no exception. This legislation aligns with our mission to promote recycling and environmental protection, and our vision of a future with a fully circular global economy with net zero waste.

We believe that recycling incentivisation and regulation are crucial for achieving a sustainable future. However, we also believe such regulations must be well-thought through before implementation, to ensure there are no adverse effects on the businesses being subjected to them or more broadly on the waste management and recycling industries.

Using WasteTrade is the easiest way for businesses to start their circular transformation today. Our platform connects producers, recyclers, and manufacturers globally, providing a seamless marketplace for trading recyclable materials. By utilising WasteTrade, businesses can contribute to reducing waste, lowering carbon footprints, and promoting a more sustainable economy.

Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment, turning waste into valuable resources and fostering a greener future for Scotland and beyond. Join WasteTrade and be part of the circular economy transformation.