Passage of Circular Economy Bill Poised to Mark Significant Milestone for Scotland’s Environmental Strategy | Envirotec

**Passage of Circular Economy Bill Poised to Mark Significant Milestone for Scotland’s Environmental Strategy**

*By Envirotec*

Scotland is on the verge of a transformative shift in its environmental policy with the anticipated passage of the Circular Economy Bill. This landmark legislation is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate change, reduce waste, and promote sustainable resource use. The bill, which has garnered widespread support from environmental groups, businesses, and policymakers, is expected to set a new standard for how Scotland manages its resources and transitions towards a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

### What is the Circular Economy?

At its core, the concept of a circular economy represents a fundamental departure from the traditional “take-make-dispose” linear economic model. Instead of extracting raw materials, producing goods, and discarding them after use, a circular economy emphasizes the continuous use of resources by designing products for durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. This approach minimizes waste, reduces the demand for virgin materials, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

The Circular Economy Bill aims to embed these principles into Scotland’s legislative framework, ensuring that the country moves towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

### Key Provisions of the Circular Economy Bill

The Circular Economy Bill introduces a range of measures designed to reduce waste, increase recycling, and promote the reuse of materials. Some of the key provisions include:

1. **Mandatory Recycling Targets**: The bill sets ambitious recycling targets for local authorities and businesses, aiming to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. By 2025, Scotland aims to recycle 70% of all waste, with a long-term goal of achieving zero waste by 2045.

2. **Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)**: Under the bill, producers will be held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including the costs associated with waste management and recycling. This measure is expected to incentivize companies to design products that are easier to recycle and have a longer lifespan.

3. **Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)**: The bill supports the implementation of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme, which is set to launch in 2024. The DRS will require consumers to pay a small deposit on single-use drinks containers, which can be refunded when the container is returned for recycling. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce litter and increase recycling rates for plastic, glass, and metal containers.

4. **Bans on Single-Use Plastics**: Building on Scotland’s existing ban on certain single-use plastic items, the bill introduces further restrictions on disposable products, including plastic cutlery, plates, and straws. The goal is to reduce plastic pollution and encourage the use of reusable alternatives.

5. **Circular Economy Hubs**: The bill proposes the creation of “circular economy hubs” across Scotland, which will serve as centers for repair, reuse, and recycling. These hubs will provide communities with access to services that extend the life of products, such as repair workshops and second-hand goods markets.

6. **Food Waste Reduction**: The bill includes measures to tackle food waste, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It sets targets for reducing food waste by 33% by 2025 and encourages businesses and households to adopt more sustainable practices, such as donating surplus food to charities.

### A Milestone for Scotland’s Environmental Strategy

The Circular Economy Bill is a key component of Scotland’s broader environmental strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The bill aligns with the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Scotland has already made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint, with renewable energy accounting for over 90% of the country’s electricity generation in 2020. However, waste management and resource use remain critical areas where further action is needed. The Circular Economy Bill addresses these challenges by promoting a more sustainable approach to consumption and production.

### Economic and Social Benefits

In addition to its environmental benefits, the Circular Economy Bill is expected to deliver significant economic and social advantages. By encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials, the bill will create new business opportunities in sectors such as repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. According to Zero Waste Scotland, the circular economy could generate up to £3 billion in economic benefits for Scotland by 2030.

Moreover, the bill is expected to create new jobs in the green economy, particularly in areas such as waste management, recycling, and sustainable product design. These jobs will be crucial in supporting Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy and ensuring that the benefits of the circular economy are shared across society.

The bill also has the potential to reduce social inequalities by making sustainable products and services more accessible to all. For example, the creation of circular economy hubs will provide communities with affordable access to repair services and second

• Source Link: https://zephyrnet.com/passage-of-the-circular-economy-bill-could-be-a-turning-point-for-scotland-envirotec/