Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 2 May 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of soft plastics collected in Scotland are recycled in Scotland.
Household soft plastics are not routinely recycled by Scottish Local Authorities. Data is not collected specifically on soft plastics, but Zero Waste Scotland extrapolate from SEPA annual estimates of the amount of plastic waste generated in Scotland and managed in / out with Scotland in the Waste From All Sources report: Waste (from all sources). It is not possible to break this analysis down into sub-types of plastic waste.
From 2027, all local authorities must collect soft plastic films and flexibles through kerbside recycling programs. This commitment aims to enhance domestic recycling capabilities and reduce reliance on exports.
The Scottish Government remains committed to expanding recycling infrastructure and capabilities, ensuring that more waste is managed and processed within Scotland, thereby creating economic opportunities and environmental benefits for our communities.