Scottish Government plans for 25p ‘latte cup levy’ backed by litter campaigners

The Scottish Government’s proposal for a 25p ‘latte cup levy’ has gained support from litter campaigners, who see it as a crucial step in addressing the issue of waste. Keep Scotland Beautiful, a charity focused on reducing litter, believes this initiative presents a unique opportunity to tackle the problem of disposable cups littering the environment. According to a survey conducted by the charity, more than half of Scots frequently encounter discarded single-use drink containers, such as coffee cups and bottles, across the country.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) government is currently seeking feedback on the implementation of a charge for single-use coffee cups, which would entail a fee of 25p per cup. The aim is to encourage a shift towards reusable cups, similar to the success of the carrier bag charge introduced in 2014. Keep Scotland Beautiful has emphasised that the levy should not be less than 25p and suggested that the funds generated from this charge should be reinvested in enhancing recycling infrastructure and promoting the use of reusable alternatives.

While certain exemptions are being considered, such as for schools and complimentary drinks in healthcare settings, the focus remains on reducing single-use cup consumption. The proposed legislation aligns with the Circular Economy Bill, a key component of the Scottish Government’s environmental strategy. Paul Wallace, Head of Operations at Keep Scotland Beautiful, emphasised the importance of implementing the charge to drive behavioural change and raise awareness about consumption habits.

The statistics reveal that in 2021-22, a staggering 388 million single-use cups were used in Scotland, leading to a significant amount of litter. Research indicates that nearly half of the population could alter their behaviour in response to the introduction of a cup charge. However, there are concerns about ensuring that the levy does not disproportionately impact small businesses and consumers, drawing from the challenges faced by the failed Deposit Return Scheme for bottles and cans.

As the public consultation on the coffee cup charge concludes, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential positive impact of this initiative in reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices within society.

In summary, the proposed ‘latte cup levy’ in Scotland has garnered support from environmental advocates as a critical measure to address the issue of single-use cup litter. By incentivising the use of reusable cups and investing in recycling infrastructure, the government aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. Despite challenges in implementation, the initiative signals a proactive approach towards reducing waste and fostering a culture of responsible consumption.