The Scottish Government is planning to introduce a charge on single-use drink cups, according to environment secretary, Roseanna Cunningham.
Cunningham said, "The scale of the challenge is clear - an estimated 4,000 tonnes of waste is generated by single-use cups each year, wasting valuable raw materials and generating unnecessary CO2 emissions in the process."
The proposal will be included in the forthcoming Circular Economy Bill, which will also consider imposing charges on carrier bags as well as other items that are harmful to the environment.
'A Fundamental Re-Think'
"For Scotland to become a net-zero society, we need a fundamental re-think about how we use and reuse materials and how we handle waste. That is why I am proposing further bold action to tackle Scotland’s reliance on single-use items," she added.
The level of charge on single-use items will be subject to consultation and approval by the Scottish parliament, after the legislation is passed.
The decision to impose a fee on single-use cups is one of the several measures advised by an expert panel seeking solutions to tackle the problem.
'Joined-Up Effort'
Cunningham commented, "I am clear, however – as is the panel’s advice - that no single measure will be effective on its own. Our approach must involve a joined-up effort across government, business, communities, and individuals.
"Whether it is [deciding] to switch from disposable to reusable cups or making sure cups are dealt with more effectively at the end of their life, we all need to do more to support a more circular economy and reduce our environmental impact."
The number of single-use cups used in the country is estimated to reach 310 million a year by 2025.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
