Scottish Government to introduce charge for disposable cups

The government says this will be “one of a range of measures” it hopes to introduce to cut Scotland’s estimated use of 200 million throwaway cups a year.

The Scottish Government has announced it plans to add a charge to disposable cups to encourage reusable alternatives.

The government says this will be “one of a range of measures” it hopes to introduce to cut Scotland’s estimated use of 200 million throwaway cups a year.

If it becomes law, the government will consult on the level of the charge, which could also be applied to other items which are “proven to cause environmental harm”.

The decision to introduce the powers to add a charge are in line with the findings of an expert panel the Scottish Government convened to explore environmental charging options.

The panel suggested a minimum charge of 20 to 25p and recommended that the majority of hot drinks be sold in reusable cups by 2025.

Proposals for charges on single-use items will be included in the forthcoming Circular Economy Bill, which is expected to be introduced to in the coming year.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said this move should help create a “cultural and behaviour change” among the public to choose reusable options instead.

Cunningham said: “For Scotland to become a net zero society, we need a fundamental re-think about how we use and reuse materials and how we handle waste. That is why I am proposing further bold action to tackle Scotland’s reliance on single-use items.

“I am clear, however – as is the panel’s advice - that no single measure will be effective on its own. Our approach must involve a joined-up effort across government, business, communities and individuals. Whether it is making the decision to switch from disposable to re-usable cups or making sure cups are dealt with more effectively at the end of their life, we all need to do more to support a more circular economy and reduce our environmental impact.

“We are taking forward a range of other recommendations made by the panel, to support the cultural and behaviour change that will be required to truly tackle our throwaway culture.”