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
What we learned about mining from 4 expert speakers
Four experts have shared important information on mining and resource justice.
Rich countries are driving resource injustice
Our new report explores how countries in the global north have more power and responsibility to reduce the impact of our resource consumption.
Nurdles: The tiny pellets polluting Scotland
The plastics industry is polluting Scotland with nurdles, harming the environment and communities. We investigate the problem
Latest Press Releases
Communities “kept in the dark” over mining
New research talking to communities where mining companies have been exploring for transition minerals has found that companies are not engaging with residents as they should be.
Scottish Government waste plans fall short
Scotland urgently needs to transform the way we consume and manage resources.
Highland Council cancels new incinerator
Environmental campaigners have praised the decision of Highland Council to abandon its plans for a new incinerator to burn household waste.
Resources
Briefing on rising costs of incineration
The cost of incinerating waste is rising for Scottish councils. By 2028, it will cost each council over £1 million more per year, on average, although there will be a lot of variation between councils.
Circular Economy Act – briefing
In June 2024, the Circular Economy Act was passed, with the aim of creating a circular economy in Scotland through new powers. The first step will be to consult on a circular economy strategy and targets.
Rethinking our resources: The shared but differentiated roles of global south and global north governments in implementing resource justice
Transition minerals are the materials we need to move away from fossil fuels. They are a vital part of the energy transition but the way they are being extracted is harmful to people and worsening climate breakdown. If we don’t rethink the way we use these resources, we risk replacing one destructive energy system with another.
Communities and transition mineral mining in Scotland
Communities in Scotland are being affected by exploration mining for transition minerals like nickel, copper and zinc.
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
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