The single-use cup charge consultation

Zero Waste Scotland urges support for key environmental measure as new survey data shows support for further action on single-use

The Scottish Government consultation on introducing a charge on single-use cups closes on 14th November, and Zero Waste Scotland is urging any businesses and organisations keen to have their say on this important circular economy policy to do so before it closes. 

The consultation proposes introducing a charge of around 25p on all single-use cups for both hot and cold drinks, with a small number of exceptions for settings like schools.

Over 380 million single use cups are used in Scotland every year, which is the equivalent of 71 cups per person per year – one of the highest rates compared to nations in the European Union.

Zero Waste Scotland survey data shows more than half of people in Scotland (56%) think more needs to be done to tackle single-use items and back additional measures such as bans or charges to reduce single-use waste. 

What’s more, 60% of people in Scotland say they would buy fewer beverages in single-use cups if these were charged for, while 74% say a charge would encourage them to use a reusable cup more often.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: 

“The proposed charge for single-use cups is another really important step to help us move away from our throwaway society and towards a more circular economy. Our on-the-go culture has fuelled an enormous rise in single-use items that are a waste of resources and end up polluting our natural environment.

“Measures, like the single-use carrier bag charge, have shown that small financial disincentives are an effective way of changing behaviour towards single-use items and can help switch people on to reusable alternatives.

“We appreciate the implementation of a cup charge can lead to additional considerations for retailers, which is why I would strongly urge them to engage in this consultation  – so decision-makers can best understand how to enact this important measure in a way that works well for retailers and customers alike.”

The consultation on charging for single use disposable beverage cups is open until Thursday 14th November 2024 at https://www.gov.scot/publications/charging-single-use-disposable-beverage-cups-consultation/
 

Ends

Notes to editors:

Zero Waste Scotland commissioned a survey in July 2024 to measure current perceptions and opinions of people in Scotland to our consumption of single-use items, which as we know are environmentally damaging and often end up littering our cities, coasts and countryside.

In partnership with Savanta, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2080 adults and asked their thoughts on the impact of previous regulatory measures on tackling single-use items such as bans and charges, and what their views were on whether any further action was needed.

The results from the survey showed:

• More than half of people in Scotland (56%) think more needs to be done to tackle single-use items.
• 56% also are in favour of additional measures to reduce single-use cups in particular
• Most believe previous measures have made a difference, with nearly two-thirds (63%) saying the carrier bag charge has had a positive effect and 58% saying the same of the single-use plastics ban.
• 60% of respondents said they would buy fewer drinks in single-use cups if these were charged for.
• 74% said a single-use cups charge would encourage them to use a reusable cup more.

About Zero Waste Scotland

Zero Waste Scotland are Scotland’s circular economy public body, working with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current “take, make, waste” model to one where we make the most of the materials we have. A zero waste, circular economy is the right choice - for people, planet and prosperity.

Since 2014, our work has helped more people understand that the answer to the climate emergency is to consume less. Through an expansive range of projects and programmes, our innovative work has shown that embedding circular practices is as possible as it is essential.  

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