Managing waste
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National litter and flytipping strategy: update and year 2 action plan
This report sets out the progress made on delivering the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy (NLFS) and contains updates on the year one action plan and outlines actions for year 2, this includes a number of continuing actions that have been progressing since 1 April 2024.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation analysis - executive summary - easy read
Easy read version of the executive summary of the independent analysis of responses to the consultation on the national Good Food Nation plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation analysis
An independent analysis of the responses to the consultation on the national Good Food Nation plan.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland 2023: SG response
Scottish Government's response to the Climate Change Committee’s 2023 'Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland' report, as published in March 2024.
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Views sought on single-use cup charge
Consultation to tackle throwaway culture.
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Realistic Medicine - Taking Care: Chief Medical Officer for Scotland annual report 2023 to 2024
This is the Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith's fourth annual report, and the eighth report on Realistic Medicine. The overarching aim of Realistic Medicine is to deliver better value care for patients, and for our health and care system.
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Scotland's Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2023/2024
Fifth annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It covers the period of March 2023 to March 2024.
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Implementing the prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland: your views SG response – Responses from those with links to the tobacco industry
Responses to our consultation on "Implementing the prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland: your views" from respondents with links to the tobacco industry.
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Annual NHS Scotland Climate Emergency & Sustainability Report 2024
This year’s report shows how NHS Scotland is working to reduce its environmental impact and adapting its infrastructure and services to the address the risks presented by climate change. It also shows that many changes the NHS seeks to deliver have other potential benefits.
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Radioactive Waste Management - Public Attitudes Survey for Scotland
This report summarises findings from a representative survey of the Scottish public that provides new insights into the perceptions and views towards radioactive waste management in Scotland.
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Radioactive Waste Management - Public Attitudes Survey for Scotland: Summary Report
This is a summary report from a survey of the Scottish public that provides new insights into the perceptions and views towards radioactive waste management in Scotland.
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Scotland's Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030 : Analysis of consultation responses
Analysis of responses to the 2024 consultation on Scotland's Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030. The Route Map sets out strategic direction and actions for delivering more sustainable use of our resources and our vision for Scotland’s circular economy to 2030.
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Circular Economy Bill passed
New powers to increase reuse and recycling rates.
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Litter and flytipping offences - enforcement review: final report
We commissioned this research report in 2022 and it was completed by Anthesis in autumn 2023. This project aimed to review the current enforcement model in Scotland and offer recommendations to strengthen that enforcement.
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Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 - proposed amendments: consultation analysis
Summarises the responses that we received on our consultation on potential amendments to the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 as part of the better environmental regulation programme.
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Draft Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 consultation: SG response
Our response to the consultation on the draft Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 held between 23 February 2024 and 8 March 2024.
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Single-use vapes consultation: SG response
Our response to the consultation on ‘Implementing the prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland: your views’, held between 2 April 2024 and 14 May 2024.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes Full Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for the proposed prohibition on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) Stage 2
Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) Stage 2 for the proposed prohibition on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: Island Communities Impact Screening Assessment
Island Communities Impact Screening Assessment (ICIA) for the proposed prohibition on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: Fairer Scotland Duty Summary
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSDA) summary for the proposed prohibition on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: Equality Impact Assessment – Results
Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) results for the proposed prohibition on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland.
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Nitrogen use efficiency in Scotland: annual report 2024
The latest report under section 5(1)(c) of the Climate Change (Nitrogen Balance Sheet) (Scotland) Regulations 2022, and complements the latest published version of the Nitrogen Balance Sheet for the year 2021.
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Ban on wet wipes containing plastic
Protecting the environment and reducing marine litter
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: equality impact assessment results - interim
The interim equality impact assessment results for the proposed prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: island communities impact screening assessment
The interim island communities impact screening assessment for the proposed prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: Fairer Scotland Duty summary - interim
The interim Fairer Scotland Duty assessment for the proposed prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: business and regulatory impact assessment - interim partial
The interim partial business and regulatory impact assessment for the proposed prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: strategic environmental assessment - environmental report
The strategic environmental assessment environmental report for the proposed prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes.
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Prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment - stage 1 screening
The stage 1 screening of the child rights and wellbeing impact assessment for the proposed prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2023
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.
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Waste management - sampling and reporting at materials facilities: draft code of practice
We intend to issue a new code of practice on sampling and reporting at materials facilities to replace the current Code issued on 2 March 2015. This draft code of practice was open for consultation until 19 April 2024.
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Waste management - code of practice on sampling and reporting at materials facilities: consultation document
We intend to issue a new Code of Practice on sampling and reporting at materials facilities to replace the current Code issued on 2 March 2015. The draft code of practice was open for consultation until 19 April 2024.
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Climate change - national adaptation plan 2024 to 2029: consultation - easy read
The impacts of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This is an easy-read version of the consultation on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
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Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
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National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
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Circular economy and waste route map to 2030: consultation
The route map sets out strategic direction for delivering our system-wide, comprehensive vision Scotland’s circular economy from now to 2030. Building on a first consultation (2022), we are consulting on key priority actions that will unlock progress across the waste hierarchy.
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Circular economy and waste route map to 2030: strategic environmental assessment - environmental report
Environmental report relating to our consultation on key priority actions that will unlock progress across the waste hierarchy.
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Food waste: review of 2019 waste reduction action plan
A review of food waste reduction progress in Scotland following publication of the Food Waste Reduction Action Plan in 2019.
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Waste electrical and electronic equipment reform consultation: island communities impact screening assessment
Island communities impact screening assessment (ICIA) for the consultation on reforming the UK producer responsibility system for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
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Waste electrical and electronic equipment reform consultation: business and regulatory impact assessment - partial
Partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the consultation on reforming the UK producer responsibility system for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
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Waste electrical and electronic equipment reform consultation: fairer Scotland duty summary
Fairer Scotland duty summary (FSDA) for the consultation on reforming the UK producer responsibility system for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
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Waste electrical and electronic equipment reform consultation: equalities impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) to support the consultation on reforming the UK producer responsibility system for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
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Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 draft - proposed amendments: consultation
This consultation sets out proposals for incorporating SEPA’s four main regulatory regimes into an integrated environmental authorisation framework as part of Scottish Government and SEPA’s joint Better Environmental Regulation Programme.
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Single use vapes ban considered
Action to protect young people and the planet.
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Environment - guiding principles: statutory guidance
This guidance provides information on how officials across government should apply the environmental principles when developing policy.
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Environment - guiding principles consultation: statutory guidance – Parliamentary statement and analysis report
As required by section 18(4) of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 the Scottish Government has provided a parliamentary statement and an analysis report on the consultation on Scotland’s Guiding Principles on the Environment: Statutory Guidance.
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National Litter and Flytipping strategy: island communities impact assessment
Summary of the island communities impact assessment (ICIA) undertaken for the National Litter and Flytipping strategy.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment for the vision for sustainable aquaculture.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture
The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: child rights and wellbeing screening sheet
Child rights and wellbeing screening sheet for the Vision for sustainable aquaculture
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Deposit return scheme: gateway review report - March 2023
Evidence-based snapshot of the status of the Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) for Scotland programme carried out by an independent review team in March 2023.
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New strategy to tackle litter scourge published
Tougher sanctions for flytipping.
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National Litter and Flytipping Strategy
The National Litter and Flytipping Strategy sets out a refreshed approach to tackling litter and flytipping in order to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment; ensure safer and cleaner communities and contribute to a thriving circular economy for Scotland.
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Litter and flytipping strategy: fairer Scotland duty summary
A summary of the fairer Scotland duty assessment undertaken for the national litter and flytipping strategy.
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Litter and flytipping strategy: final business and regulatory impact assessment
The results of the final business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) undertaken for the national litter and flytipping strategy.
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Litter and flytipping strategy: equality impact assessment
Results of the equality impact assessment (EQIA) undertaken for the national litter and flytipping strategy.
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Litter and flytipping strategy: strategic environment assessment - post adoption statement
A strategic environmental assessment post adoption statement setting out how responses to the assessment have been taken into account for the national litter and flytipping strategy.
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Litter and flytipping: scale and cost
This report updates data referenced in the previous National Litter Strategy (2014) on the scale and cost of litter and flytipping in Scotland to inform the national litter and flytipping strategy (2023).
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Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: programme pipeline update - March 2023
This pipeline provides information relating to key major infrastructure programmes with an investment of £20 million or more included at Annex D of our Infrastructure Investment Plan, published in February 2021.
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Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: progress report 2022 to 2023
Second annual progress report relating to the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 which outlines the progress made in relation to the Plan’s three themes during the last year as well as key delivery achievements and activity planned for the coming year.
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Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: major capital projects progress update - March 2023
The following information relates to projects with a capital value of £5 million or more which are at the outline business case (or equivalent) approved stage or beyond.
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Just transition for the built environment and construction sector: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the built environment and construction sector. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition for the sector.
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Just transition for the transport sector: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the transport sector. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition for the sector.
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Realistic Medicine - Doing the right thing: Chief Medical Officer annual report 2022 to 2023
Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) third annual report, and the seventh on Realistic Medicine. It reflects on the challenges our system is facing and asks professionals to practise Realistic Medicine, in order to deliver value based health and care and a more sustainable system.
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Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) examining the possible impacts of the Circular Economy bill provisions.
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Circular Economy Bill: fairer Scotland duty assessment
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment examining the possible impacts of the Circular Economy bill provisions.
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Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) examining the possible impacts of the Circular Economy bill provisions.
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Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) examining the possible impacts of the Circular Economy bill provisions.
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Circular Economy Bill: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment examining the possible impacts of the Circular Economy bill provisions.
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First Minister writes to Prime Minister
Deadline for UK Government rethink on deposit return scheme.
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Climate change monitoring report 2023
The second annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
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Decarbonisation of residual waste infrastructure: Scottish Government response
Our initial response to the second report on the decarbonisation of residual waste infrastructure in Scotland. The second report followed on from Stop, Sort, Burn, Bury? - the recommendations of the independent review of the role of incineration in the waste hierarchy.
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Changes to deposit return scheme
Small businesses to benefit.
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Delivering Scotland's Circular Economy - route map to 2025 and beyond: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the 2022 consultation on Delivering Scotland's Circular Economy: Route map to 2025 and Beyond.
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National Events Strategy Review: Easy Read version
Easy Read version of consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's National Events Strategy.
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National events strategy review: consultation - Gaelic version
Gaelic version of consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's national events strategy.
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National events strategy review: consultation
Scotland's National events strategy is being reviewed and updated. This will extend its term to the end of 2035. This survey provides everyone with a role in Scotland’s world-class event industry the chance to shape the sector’s updated strategy.
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National events strategy review: business and regulatory impact assessment - partial
Partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's national events strategy.
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Drinks producers urged to register for deposit return scheme
First Minister calls on businesses to sign up.
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Reducing emissions from waste
Keeping plastic out of incinerators will help meet climate targets.
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Decarbonisation of residual waste infrastructure: report
Second report and supporting documents from the Independent Review of the Role of Incineration in the Waste Hierarchy in Scotland (Stop, Sort, Burn, Bury?), on decarbonisation of residual waste infrastructure in Scotland.
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Investing in recycling
£21m to modernise collections in Glasgow.
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Reforming the UK packaging producer responsibility system: Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA)
A partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for proposed secondary legislation which forms part of the introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging.
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Deposit return scheme update: letter to Scottish Parliament Committee
Update on delivery of Scotland's deposit return scheme from Circular Economy Minister to Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.
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Deposit return scheme - gateway review: final report
Final report for the deposit return scheme gateway review.
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Deposit return scheme - gateway review: action plan assurance
Assurance of action plan for the deposit return scheme gateway review.
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Putting limits on incineration capacity
Response to independent review published.
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Single use plastics ban
Scotland becomes first UK nation to ban problematic plastics.
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Consultations on Circular Economy launched
New measures will help cut waste and preserve precious resources.
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Incineration review published
Independent report recommends limit on future incineration capacity.
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Single-use food containers and other single-use items: call for evidence
This call for evidence will help inform policy development on how to reduce consumption of single-use food containers and other single-use items which will in turn help the move to a more circular economy.
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Action on packaging
Producers will pay for the environmental costs of packaging.
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Reducing waste
Banning the destruction of unsold goods could support a circular economy.
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Citizens steer net zero journey
Response to Climate Assembly recommendations published.
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Scotland’s deposit return scheme
Recycling scheme will go live in 2023.
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Creating a cleaner Scotland
Views sought on new litter and fly-tipping strategy.
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Landmark investment in recycling
£13 million to improve recycling and cut emissions.
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Towards a circular economy
Taking action to reduce waste and its impact.
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Network of sharing libraries and repair cafes
Funding to deliver key recommendation of Scotland’s Climate Assembly.
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Action on single-use plastic
Scotland first UK nation to pursue ban on some of the most problematic products.
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The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021: equality impact assessment
Full Equality Impact Assessment on an amendment to the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014
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The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Children's Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) for the the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021.
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The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 202: islands communities screening assessment
The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Amendment Regulations Islands Communities Screening Assessment 2021.
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The Single Use Carrier Bags (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021: business and regulatory impact assessment
Final Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for proposed changes to the Single Use Carrier Bags (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
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Increase to carrier bag charge
Help combat plastic waste.
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Management and disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): consultation
Consultation on proposals to amend our current regulations on PCBs to ensure that we comply with the new limits set out in EU legislation.
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Marine plastic pollution: research
Research on the plastic value chain in Scotland to better understand this landscape and the potential for intervention to address marine plastic pollution.
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Circular Economy Bill
Helping end our throw-away culture.
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Circular Economy Bill proposals: partial BRIA
Accompanying partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for 'Delivering Scotland's circular economy: proposals for legislation'.
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Circular Economy Bill proposals: partial EQIA
Partial equalities impact assessment (EQIA) on proposed legislation for the circular economy bill.
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Developing Scotland's circular economy: consultation on proposals for legislation
We are seeking your views on proposed legislation for the circular economy bill and secondary legislation.
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Deposit return scheme: impact on small grocers
A report setting out a table of the values which have been derived and the approach that was taken to generating them.
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Rates relief for retailers
First Minister announces support for shops tackling throwaway culture.
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Single-use disposable cups: response to EPECOM recommendations
Our response to the first set of recommendations from the Expert Panel on Environmental Charging and Other Measures (EPECOM) on single-use disposable beverage cups, and details of actions that we will take to deliver them.
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Action on plastics
Cotton bud ban comes into force.
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Deposit Return Scheme
Ambitious scheme takes shape.
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The Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020: accompanying statement and proposed regulations
This is a copy of the proposed regulations and an accompanying statement that have been laid before the Scottish Parliament for a 91-day period for comment.
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Single-use disposable cups: EPECOM recommendations
The first report from Expert Panel on Environmental Charging and Other Measures (EPECOM) sets out its recommendations to tackle the dependence on, and environmental impact of, single-use disposable beverage cups in Scotland.
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Tackling the throw-away culture
Behaviour change to reduce single-use cup use.
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Removal, storage and disposal of vehicles regulations (2019): BRIA
Final business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Vehicles (Prescribed Sums and Charges etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 and The Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2019.
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Driving a circular economy
Social and economic benefits of Deposit Return.
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Deposit return scheme for Scotland: EQIA
Summary of equality impact assessment (EQIA) of deposit return scheme for Scotland.
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Deposit return scheme for Scotland: SEA
This strategic environmental assessment (SEA) post adoption statement details the environmental considerations that have gone into the design of the deposit return scheme for Scotland.
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A Deposit Return Scheme for Scotland - Equality Impact Assessment
A further assessment of the potential for equalities impacts from deposit return and proposed mitigation of any negative impacts.
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Deposit return scheme for Scotland: full business case stage 1
Phase 1 of the Full Business Case (FBC) that underpins the design for the deposit return scheme for Scotland.
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Reaching net zero
Call for immediate action on greenhouse gases.
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Food waste reduction: action plan
Sets out how Scotland can work to deliver it's commitment to reduce food waste by 33% by 2025.
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Waste markets study: executive summary
Summary of study regarding treatment options for Scottish biodegradable municipal waste.
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Waste markets study: full report
Study regarding treatment options for Scottish biodegradable municipal waste.
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Littering from vehicles
Action on throwaway culture among motorists.
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Fighting the throwaway culture
Deposit Return Scheme update.
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Deposit return scheme consultation: analysis of responses
Analysis of reponses to the deposit return scheme for Scotland consultation.
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Reducing single use plastic
Protecting the marine environment.
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Circular economy
Fighting the throwaway culture.
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Turning the tide on marine plastics
Doubling of funding.
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Tackling plastic pollution
Deposit return scheme consultation.
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Support to reduce single-use items
Communities to receive help to reduce plastic waste and marine litter.
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Fight against throwaway culture
Members appointed to expert panel.
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Tackling marine litter
Proposal to ban the manufacture and sale of plastic cotton buds.
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Recycling for the future
£8.4 million to reduce emissions and household waste.
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