Award of RESAS/011/23 – Circular Economy and Waste Route Map Consultation Analysis

Description

Background & Context5. We are committed to developing Scotland’s circular economy – Making Things Last, our circular economy strategy, sets out the opportunities to keep materials in use for as long as possible. In 2020’s Climate Change Plan update, we set out our vision for a circular economy, where we reduce the demand for raw material in products; encourage reuse and repairs through responsible production; and recycle waste and energy to maximise the value of any waste that is generated. We want Scotland to move towards a circular economy where our resources are kept in high value for as long as possible and more of the re-processing of recyclable material is carried out in Scotland.6. To deliver this vision, Scotland has several ambitious 2025 waste and recycling targets. Scotland has made significant long-term progress towards these targets. Emissions from the waste and resources sector have reduced by almost three quarters over the past 20 years. However, progress has slowed in recent years and we know we have more to do if we are to accelerate progress.7. Our Programme for Government 2023-24 and Scotland's Climate Change Plan update set out our determination to accelerate progress, and commitment to develop a Route Map to reduce waste and accelerate progress.8. We have a range of transformational measures already in place or underway, including bans on problematic single-use plastic items, reform of extended producer responsibility for packaging and our £70 million investment in local authority recycling infrastructure.9. Building on measures already in place or underway, the Route Map consultation proposes a range of additional legislative and non-legislative measures that can positively contribute to the delivery of the targets and make progress towards emission reduction and delivery of a circular economy. Measures are likely to grouped into strategic themes, which span action across the whole circular economy.10. The Route Map will outline the pathway to delivering a circular economy in Scotland, in line with the Circular Economy Bill.11. The consultation for the Route Map will take place from 18 January 2024 to 15 March 2024 January to February 2024, and will remain open for eight weeks. This is subject to final decision from Scottish Ministers.