Circular Economy & Plastics
In Scotland, we currently consume as if we had three planets available to produce the resources we use and absorb the waste we create.
Scotland’s material consumption accounts for 82% of our entire carbon footprint.
Moving to a circular economy – one in which materials are kept in circulation for as long as possible, will reduce our material demands and is key to meeting our climate commitments.
In order to move towards a circular economy, major changes to the way we make products and consume resources will need to be made, bringing economic opportunities and innovation.
Consuming the planet
Over-consumption by the wealthy few is pushing our whole planet to breaking point. Rich-nation economies like Scotland are built on the idea of unlimited growth, forcing consumption levels that are driving the climate crisis.
We need our leaders to make decisions on the basis that consumption must have limits, so that we can play a vital role in the road to social and environmental justice.
A better economy
Research has shown it is possible to live a high quality life on a sustainable level of material consumption of about eight tonnes per person per year. Scotland’s material footprint is currently more than double this figure.
Keeping materials circulating in our economy for as long as possible would reduce the burden on the countries where materials are sourced, often through dangerous practises, and reduce the waste that is disposed of with harmful processes like incineration.
What we are doing
- Building public awareness and understanding of the need for a circular economy
- Influencing decision makers to stop harmful waste disposal practices
- Engaging communities in the fight against new incinerators in their area.
Stopping incineration
Incinerators contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases from the waste they burn. They also make it more difficult to ensure potentially recyclable material is not wasted instead. We've achieved a moratorium on incineration which is a vital first step, but it must now be backed up with a planned phase out of existing incinerators.
Learn moreScotland has the materials, skills and demand to make this circular narrative a reality. We need a government willing to take bold steps towards a circular economy.
Kim Pratt, Circular Economy Campaigner
Recent successes
- MSPs voted in favour of the circular economy bill and measure to improve it that we campaigned for
- The Scottish Government has put a moratorium on new incinerators and is conducting a review into the future of these polluting installations
- The Scottish Government has banned a range of single-use plastic items, including plastic cutlery, plates, straws and expanded polystyrene food containers and cups.
Latest Blogs
Scotland’s new circular economy law
MSPs have voted to approve Scotland’s new circular economy law! Parliament has taken over a year to scrutinise and review the new law, and the final debate took place yesterday…
How Laura Young took on disposable vapes and won
Laura started, and continues to lead, the campaign to see single-use disposable vapes banned across Scotland and the UK.
Incredible outfits shine a light on Scotland’s overconsumption
We put on a fashion show with outfits made from discarded materials to call on MSPs to support a circular economy.
Latest Press Releases
Civil society calls for Scottish Government to “make good on its promise” on plastic
Civil society organisations have written to the Scottish Government to call for it to support the Global Plastics Treaty, a worldwide agreement to end plastic pollution, which is being finalised…
Scottish Government has “lost control” on incineration
Climate campaigners have said the Scottish Government has “lost control” of incineration after new statistics showed a 15.4% increase in waste burned in one year. The figures, published by SEPA,…
Incineration boom must be stopped
Environmental campaigners are calling on the Scottish Government to take action to stop a “boom in incineration” before it’s too late. A new report, published by Zero Waste Scotland, has…
Resources
Briefing paper on how Scottish Government can close incineration loopholes
How and why MSPs must put pressure on the Scottish Government to prevent unnecessary incinerators being built in Scotland.
Including just transition and due diligence in the Circular Economy Bill
The CE Bill must install principles of fairness and care at the heart of our approach to material consumption
Response to the 2030 Waste Route Map consultation
Circular Economy Bill – consultation response
Circular Economy Bill briefing
Annual Review 2022-2023
Plastic Pollution
Plastic is a major contributor to climate change. The more plastic we make, the more greenhouse gas emissions we release into the atmosphere. As long as we continue to make plastic from fossil fuels (which makes up 90% of plastic in the EU) then we will continue to support the oil and gas industry, adding further fuel to the global climate crisis.
Learn more
Report: Circular Economy in action around the world - lessons for Scotland
This report highlights case studies of the circular economy in action around the world, divided into themes from food systems to the built environment and electronics. These are compared to Scotland’s position, indicating where progress can be made.
Read Now
Incineration
Incineration capacity in Scotland is set to increase to burn at least an extra one million tonnes of waste a year, which raises serious environmental concerns and creates a barrier to moving to a circular economy.
Find out more
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