The proposals aim to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by supporting Scotland’s transition to a zero-waste and circular economy
The Scottish Government has launched a new consultation for a new law to create a circular economy in Scotland. (Credit: vkingxl from Pixabay)
The Scottish government has launched consultations on a new law to create a circular economy in the country and reduce the impact on the climate by changing the use of materials.
The proposals aim to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by supporting Scotland’s transition to a zero-waste and circular economy.
The measures are set out in two consultations – on a Circular Economy Bill and a Garbage Route Map.
Both initiatives are intended to increase reuse and recycling rates, as well as upgrade and enhance waste and recycling services.
Scotland’s circular economy goals, as defined in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan consists of ending landfilling of biodegradable municipal trash by 2025, reducing the percentage of all waste sent to landfill to 5% by 2025, and recycling 70% of all garbage by 2025.
The 12-week consultations were launched by Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater on her visit to the Edinburgh Furniture.
Zero Waste Scotland CEO Iain Gulland said: “Today marks a tremendous step in Scotland’s transition towards a circular economy.
“For years, Zero Waste Scotland has championed and helped usher in a more circular economy to reduce over-consumption.
“By supporting Scottish citizens, communities and businesses, through funding and tailored advice we are working hard to implement more sustainable ways of living.
“The Circular Economy Bill includes measures and approaches that will further cement and support the strides we’re making and crucially, it is a step in the right direction to end our contribution to the climate crisis.
“I encourage everyone in Scotland to take part in these vital consultations.”
Scotland has prohibited the use of several of the most problematic single-use plastics, which will take effect on 1 June 2022.