Plans for coffee cup charges to be reintroduced in Scotland

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater has announced that an advisory group will be established to shape plans for mandatory changes on coffee cups and other single-use disposable beverage containers.

After being paused as a result of COVID 19, the work to minimise single-use cup waste is re-starting, with changes expected to come into effect during this parliament.

Forming the advisory group will be representatives from every stage of the supply chain – from manufacturers and distributors through both small and large retails. It will also be made up of consumer groups, environmental NGOs, equalities groups and academics.

It is hoped that by re-introducing charges for single-use cups, people will be encouraged to use reusable alternatives, whilst supporting the shift to a more circular economy. Estimations have inferred that 200 million single-use disposable beverage cups are used every year in Scotland.

An Expert Panel on Environmental Charging and Other Measures, chaired by Dame Sue Bruce, originally recommended the introduction of a national, mandatory requirement to sell beverages and disposable cups separately, including an initial minimum price of between 20-25p per cup.

In response to the packaging reforms, larger coffee shops, fast food chains and others who sell drinks in disposable paper cups will have to provide a dedicated bin to collect and recycle these from 2024.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Single-use coffee cups are a classic example of the throwaway culture that we are taking action to tackle. Lots of people already carry a reusable cup with them, but hundreds of millions of single-use cups are still being wasted every single year. Evidence shows that a small charge on single-use cups can be hugely effective in encouraging people to switch to a reusable alternative.

“I look forward to working with experts representing business, the environment and consumers to take forward this important measure. Alongside Scotland’s deposit return scheme, which will recycle nearly two billion bottles and cans every year, and our action to ban some of the most problematic single-use plastics, this will make a vital contribution to reducing the amount of waste generated in the country.”