SCOTTISH Water has revealed its network of Top Up Taps has saved the equivalent of 20 million 330ml plastic bottles.
The utility hailed the success of the 132 blue Top Up Taps, which are designed to promote the use of refillable water bottles and reduce single-use plastic.
Scottish Water confirmed the latest figures at an event at its Top Up Tap outside the Scottish Parliament – one of the most frequently used taps and the first one to be installed seven years ago – to inform MSPs of how much the taps in their constituencies are being used and the plastic bottle equivalent being saved.
Climate action secretary Gillian Martin said, “I welcome this achievement by Scottish Water – which has saved the equivalent of around 20 million single-use plastic bottles – helping to encourage re-use, cut plastic waste and support our transition to net zero. The roll out of these Top Up Taps across Scotland fulfils a Programme for Government commitment and makes it easier for people to support their natural environment.”
Scottish Water has highlighted the top 20 most-used Top Up Taps across Scotland, with the tap at The Meadows in Edinburgh in first place, followed by the tap at the city’s Royal Botanical Gardens and one at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water COO, added, “We are thrilled that so many people have used the taps, saving the equivalent of 20 million single-use plastic bottles. We thank everyone who fills up from our big blue taps with a reusable bottle and hope more people will do the same in the future.”
