Circular Economy (Scotland) Act
The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act gives Scotland the powers and solutions to help us to consume differently, use resources efficiently, tackle waste, and boost our wellbeing economy.
What is the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act?
The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act will help to create a way of living that’s more sustainable and that benefits businesses and citizens alike.
Scotland already has targets and commitments in place, but we must take our circular ambitions even further.
The Act provides the legislative framework required to support Scotland’s transition to a zero waste and circular economy, significantly increase reuse and recycling rates, and modernise and improve waste and recycling services.
Around four-fifths of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from the products and services we manufacture, use, and throw away.
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Why does this matter?
Evidence estimates around four-fifths of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from the products and services we manufacture, use, and throw away. Material consumption and waste are the primary drivers of nearly every environmental problem we currently face, from water scarcity to habitat and species loss.
The message is clear - we need to talk about consumption and rethink our systems so that we can start to consume differently. The solution lies in moving from a linear economy to a circular one, where we design products to last and encourage reuse, repair, and recycling to reduce demand for raw materials.
Circular Economy Legislation Information
As part of the research process during development of the Act, Zero Waste Scotland produced research reports relating to a circular economy. These can be accessed below.
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