AN advisory group has been formed by the Scottish Government to shape mandatory changes on coffee cups and other single-use disposable beverage containers.
Holyrood said that the group will contain representatives from ‘every stage’ of the supply chain – from manufacturers and distributors through to small and large retailers, as well as consumer groups and academics.
It added that charging for single-use cups will help encourage people to make the move to reusable alternatives and support the shift to a more circular economy – it with expecting the charge to come into effect during the course of this parliament.
Circular economy minister, Lorna Slater, said, “Single-use coffee cups are a classic example of the throwaway culture that we are taking action to tackle. Lots of people already carry a reusable cup with them, but hundreds of millions of single-use cups are still being wasted every single year.
“Evidence shows that a small charge on single-use cups can be hugely effective in encouraging people to switch to a reusable alternative.
“I look forward to working with experts representing business, the environment and consumers to take forward this important measure. Alongside Scotland’s deposit return scheme, which will recycle nearly two billion bottles and cans every year, and our action to ban some of the most problematic single-use plastics, this will make a vital contribution to reducing the amount of waste generated in the country.”
Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, added, “Single-use items, like cups, are emblematic of the throwaway culture we need to change if we want to tackle the climate crisis. We know there’s an appetite for action on such items, with a recent Zero Waste Scotland survey indicating that 66 per cent of Scots would support introducing charges to limit the use of single-use plastic and packaging.
“Switching to reusable over single-use is one of the best things we can all do for the environment, so it’s hugely welcome news that work to shape a chargeable cup scheme is continuing with the formation of an advisory group.”
