Scotland has a new circular economy law

The circular economy bill passed its final vote in the Scottish Parliament this week. This a brilliant step in the right direction in changing the way we use materials in Scotland to reduce our impact on the planet.

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.

SBCAN hope this legislation marks a significant step towards a sustainable future for Scotland.