Question reference: S6W-02052
- Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 3 August 2021
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 22 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce the amount of plastic waste exported to other countries.
Answer
It is vital that waste is managed responsibly and sustainably, and we want to be able to manage more of our own waste within Scotland. A large majority of Scotland’s waste is managed within Scotland, but around 14% is currently processed elsewhere, representing a lost economic opportunity. Our Deposit Return Scheme will significantly increase the quantity and quality of in-scope materials recycled and reduce litter. It would also create economic opportunities, such as attracting investment into reprocessing capacity in Scotland, on which we are actively working with potential investors on.
While waste export legislation is a matter for the UK Government, we will continue to work closely with them to ensure that all waste is managed responsibly and sustainably. We are working with the other governments of the UK on reform of the packaging producer responsibility system to provide greater incentives for domestic reprocessing.
SEPA routinely carry out proactive inspections at Scottish ports and loading sites to ensure compliance with the strict Waste Shipment Regulations. SEPA will continue to prioritise the regulation of plastic waste exports from Scotland.