Circular economy and waste route map to 2030: strategic environmental assessment - environmental report

5 Modernise recycling

5.1 Improve recycling from households

5.1.1 Package outcomes

Likely decrease in demand for virgin materials

The measures in this package are aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of material collected from households for recycling. If successful, this will increase the amount of secondary materials produced from recycling. These secondary materials will likely fulfil some of the demand for virgin materials, although the exact amount will depend on market responses.

Likely decrease in disposal of materials via landfill or incineration

Increases in the proportion of household waste captured for recycling will result in a decrease in the amount of recyclable materials in the residual waste stream, e.g. plastics, glass, paper, aluminium.

In 2021-23, just over half of what we threw away at the kerbside could have been recycled through existing systems.

Improved householder engagement and awareness alongside possible future financial incentives is expected to divert additional material away from landfill and incineration to be recycled instead.

Likely decrease in litter and flytipping

A co-designed, consistent, and widely accessible recycling service may reduce the likelihood of litter and flytipping.

Increase in material reprocessing

The production of secondary materials will require resources both in the form of energy and materials. All of the interventions in this package are targeted towards increasing recycling, which will have resultant implications on resources used at material recovery facilities.

Increased stakeholder engagement

Co-design of collection services with input from local communities and neighbourhoods will bring to light unique local circumstances and challenges faced in different settings and geographies, for example, businesses located in historic areas. This ought to ensure that services are fit for purpose and lead to improved stakeholder satisfaction.

5.1.2 Biodiversity, flora, and fauna

SEA Assessment questions for biodiversity, flora, and fauna:

• Will the plan avoid adverse impacts to habitats and species?
• Will it protect, maintain, and enhance biodiversity?

Overall, the measures within this package should avoid adverse impacts to habitats and species through a reduction in habitat disruption mainly from the reduction in production of virgin materials and a reduction in pollution through a reduction in disposal. Any negative impacts from this package are likely to come from the increased resource use from the processing of recyclate; however, this is more than likely to be offset by the beneficial outcomes (such as those mentioned above).

Package outcomes relevant to biodiversity, flora, and fauna and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

The extraction of virgin materials may have negative impacts on biodiversity due to increased pollution or disruption / destruction of habitats.

A reduction in extraction of virgin materials is likely to lead to lower impacts on habitats and species in regions where materials are extracted and processed. However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced, and consequently reduce risks to habitats and species.

Decrease in disposal of material via landfill

SEA Impact: +

Habitats in and around bodies of water such as streams, ponds, lakes, and surrounding soils nearby to landfill sites can become polluted by leachate. A reduction in levels of waste disposal in landfill will lead to lower impacts on habitats and their resident species at a local level.

Landfilling materials, in particular organic matter, can be a major emitter of GHG emissions. Lower levels of landfill gas production, (methane in particular) will reduce the contribution to climate change and indirectly lessen impacts on species and habitats. At a global level, these impacts are not likely to be significant.

The reduced impact on landfill capacity will lessen the longer term requirement for the creation of new landfill sites and the corresponding clearance of wild areas. This in turn will reduce the number of habitats being lost or degraded to create new landfill sites.

Decrease in disposal of material by incineration

SEA Impact: +

Incineration of waste is a source of GHG emissions and air pollutants.

Reduced emissions from energy from waste facilities will lower the resultant contribution to climate change and indirectly lessen impacts on species and habitats. At a global level, these impacts are not likely to be significant.

Reduced levels of litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Littered and fly-tipped items can pose threats to local wildlife and biodiversity. Pollution e.g. microplastics and chemicals can threaten habitats and harm species if ingested. Some species may also be at risk of entanglement from littered items.

70% of respondents of the 2021 Keep Scotland Beautiful Scottish Litter Survey believe that litter is a problem locally, and 88% believe that it is a problem nationally^[151]. Respondents' top concern was the damage it might do to the natural environment and animals.

A reduction in litter and flytipping will reduce the risk of pollution and ecotoxicity in habitats and soils, as well as limiting the risks to wildlife from ingestion or entanglement.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate

SEA Impact: -/?

Recycling processes require additional energy and other inputs, the production of which may have biodiversity impacts. This may offset, to some extent, the overall reduction in impacts anticipated by the reduced demand for virgin materials.

Adverse impacts caused by the creation of new recycling facilities should be considered in future environmental assessments of the new site, along with any mitigation measures.

5.1.3 Population and Human Health

SEA Assessment questions for population and human health:

• Will the plan reduce the health gap and inequalities and improve healthy life expectancy?
• Will it protect and improve human health and wellbeing through improving the quality of the living environment of people and communities?
• Will it increase sustainable access to essential services, employment, and the natural and historic environment?

This package will help to improve health outcomes, wellbeing, and should lead to a rise in sustainable employment. The reduction in disposal via both landfill and incineration will help to reduce negative impacts to wellbeing such as odour and noise and will reduce negative health impacts through lower air pollution.

Package outcomes relevant to population and human health and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

In 2020, 39,000 people were employed in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry industry in Scotland (1.5% of all people aged 16+ in employment), and 62,900 were employed in the mining and quarrying industry (2.4%)^[152].

There may be impacts on employment in material extraction as a result of a reduced demand for virgin materials.

However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced.

It is likely than any negative impacts on employment in virgin material extraction industries will be offset by increased opportunities for green jobs e.g., recycling facilities - aligning with the Just Transition: it is estimated that up to 60,000 new jobs could be created by implementing circular strategies in Scotland^[153]

Decrease in disposal of material via landfill

SEA Impact: +

Nuisance caused by landfill sites on a local level is likely to be in the form of odour, noise, increased traffic, and vermin. Landfills can result in community impact throughout their life cycle. During the operational phase, when wastes are deposited, communities can be negatively impacted by nuisance issues such as odour, dust, noise and vermin. Odour is a significant environmental cause of public complaints of people living near waste treatment facilities and negatively affects quality of life and wellbeing. Odour can be a cause of stress and anxiety, even when the substances causing the odours are not harmful to health at the levels detected at waste treatment locations. Landfills, and specifically landfill odour, account for a significant proportion of public environmental event complaints made to SEPA. In extreme cases, where sites are poorly operated, or have specific gas management issues to address, this has resulted in several hundred public complaints in a single day. Three operational landfills are currently classified by SEPA as sites of ongoing community impact. In 2021, these sites alone accounted for 987 substantiated complaints to SEPA.^[154]

If lower volumes of waste are destined for landfill due to the measures proposed in the Route Map, a reduced negative impact on the wellbeing of nearby residents is likely.

Decrease in disposal of material by incineration

SEA Impact: +/?

Pollution from EfW plants may have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of nearby residents, and there is scope for further research into potential negative mental and psychological impacts of living close to an incinerator.^[155] Measures targeted at reducing residual waste destined for incineration may therefore have a positive impact on nearby residents.

However, the risk to human health associated with newer incinerators operated within the current regulations, which are based on a precautionary approach, is likely to be minimal and very difficult to detect^[156]. Therefore, health impacts of a reduction in waste incinerated are expected to be minor.

Reduced levels of litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

There are limited studies on the health impacts of litter, with most studies associating high incidences of litter as contributory effects to adverse mental health impacts, particularly anxiety and depression^[157]

Improved wellbeing and subsequent mental health benefits are therefore likely if a reduction in litter is achieved.

Increase in recycling

SEA Impact: +

An improved recycling service for householders will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of the population: they will feel empowered to do the right thing with their waste, and will have access to convenient and consistent waste collection infrastructure.

5.1.4 Soil

SEA Assessment questions for soil:

• Will the plan safeguard and improve soil quality, quantity and function in Scotland, particularly high value agricultural land and carbon-rich soils?

Overall, this package should help to safeguard soil quality in Scotland through a reduction in soil pollution from landfill sites and a reduction in virgin material production (particularly biomass, including agriculture). There may be some negative impacts on soils from the increase in the processing of recyclate, however, assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF4, these impacts should be considered minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to soil and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

Extraction of virgin materials often has significant land use requirements and processes may be disruptive to soils in the area. There is a risk of material and chemical pollution resulting from these processes e.g. fertilisers and pesticides associated with timber production may pollute nearby soils, reducing soil quality on a local scale.

A reduction in virgin material extraction will lead to a reduction in the levels of associated soil disruption. There may also be a decrease in the level of pollutants produced from virgin material extraction which could negatively impact the quality of nearby soils.

However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced in Scotland.

Decrease in disposal of material via landfill

SEA Impact: +

Leachate from landfill sites can contaminate soils in the surrounding area. A reduction in volumes of material disposed of via landfill will lessen the impact on soil quality in the long term.

A reduced impact on landfill capacity will lessen or delay the longer term requirement for the creation of new sites, thus avoiding an increase in areas of soil vulnerable to material pollution and leachate from landfill sites.

Decrease in disposal of material by incineration

SEA Impact: +

Soils near incinerators may become polluted, and any negative impacts on soils may be reduced as a result of a decrease in waste sent to incinerators or energy from waste facilities.

Reduced levels of litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Material pollution e.g. littered plastic packaging and potential toxicity risks from fly-tipped items e.g. large electrical appliances are likely to have a negative impact on local soil quality.

Risks of adverse impacts on soil quality will therefore be reduced if a reduction in litter and flytipping is achieved.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate

SEA Impact: -/?

Pollution from recycling facilities into nearby soils is possible. Adverse impacts caused by the creation of new recycling facilities should be considered in future environmental assessments of the new site, along with any mitigation measures. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4), these impacts will be minimal.

5.1.5 Water

SEA Assessment questions for water:

• Will the plan ensure the sustainable use of water resources?
• Will it help to reduce levels of water pollution?

This package is likely to ensure the sustainable use of water resources through a reduction in the demand for virgin materials, including fossil fuels; however, an increase in recycling will offset this to an extent. The package will help to reduce levels of water pollution through a reduction in the demand for virgin materials and a reduction in landfilled material, which will in turn reduce the chance of water pollution and contamination from leachate. Again, however, care should be taken that the increased levels of recycling will not lead to an increase in water pollution. These potential impacts should be considered in future environmental assessments of recycling facilities; assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF, impacts on water will be minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to water and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

There is a risk of water pollution on a local scale due to virgin material extraction processes. For example, Scotland produces approximately 7.5Mt of wood per annum^[158]. Fertilisers and pesticides associated with timber production may leak into nearby bodies of water.

A reduction in extraction of virgin materials is therefore likely to lead to a decrease in the level of pollutants produced from extraction processes which could negatively impact the quality of nearby bodies of water. There will also be a reduction in any water use associated with extraction processes.

However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced.

Decrease in disposal of material via landfill

SEA Impact: +

Leachate from landfill sites can pollute nearby bodies of water. A reduction in volumes of material disposed of via landfill will lessen the impact on water quality in the long term. A reduced impact on landfill capacity will lessen or delay the longer term requirement for the creation of new sites, thus avoiding an increase in the bodies of water vulnerable to material pollution and leachate from landfill sites.

Decrease in disposal of material by incineration

SEA Impact:+

Some energy from waste processes will require water, and so a reduction in residual waste processed at these plants will result in a decrease in resultant water use. Any pollution impacts on nearby bodies of water will also decrease, though effects are not expected to be significant.

Reduced levels of litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Levels of marine and freshwater toxicity may be increased as a result of nearby flytipping.

A reduction in litter and flytipping will result in lower levels of material pollution as well as marine and freshwater toxicity, thus improving the quality of bodies of water in Scotland.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate

SEA Impact: -/?

Some recycling processes require water, so an increase in recycling is likely to increase associated water use.

However, the use of secondary materials is likely to reduce water use associated with virgin material production, assuming the outputs of recycling activity offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

Adverse impacts caused by the creation of new recycling facilities should be considered in future environmental assessments of the new site, along with any mitigation measures. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4), these impacts will be minimal.

5.1.6 Air

SEA Assessment questions for air:

• Will the plan avoid adverse impacts to air quality?
• Will it reduce emissions of key pollutants and improve air quality throughout Scotland?
• Will it reduce levels of nuisance e.g. noise, vibration, dust, odour, and light?

The interventions in this package should avoid adverse impacts to air quality. The reduction of virgin material production and of disposal (via landfill and incineration) caused by increased recycling should help to reduce the emissions of key pollutants, and reduce levels of nuisance. Recycling processes will themselves be responsible for some air pollution, though assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF4, these impacts should be minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to air and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

Material extraction processes and the associated transport and energy use are likely to emit airborne pollutants. The scale and nature of these emissions will depend on the material in question.

A reduction in extraction of virgin materials is therefore likely to result in a reduction in associated airborne pollutants, thus improving air quality on a local scale. There will also be a decrease in the level of noise and nuisance associated with virgin material extraction.

However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced.

Decrease in disposal of material via landfill

SEA Impact: +

Several air pollutants are associated with landfill gas production. A reduction in waste disposed of via landfill is likely to have a positive impact on air quality. Odour levels will also be reduced if the requirement for additional landfill sites is lessened or delayed from a decrease in residual waste arisings.

Decrease in disposal of material by incineration

SEA Impact: +

Incineration of waste is linked to air and noise pollution on a local scale, though with current stringent emissions standards, the evidence is that the air quality impacts are likely to be small^[159]. A reduction in volumes of waste disposed of by incineration or energy from waste is likely to have a minor positive impact on air quality.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate

SEA Impact: -/?

Some recycling processes may contribute to air pollution, though the use of the secondary materials will likely reduce air pollution at the aggregate, assuming the outputs from recycling offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

Adverse impacts caused by the creation of new recycling facilities should be considered in future environmental assessments of the new site, along with any mitigation measures. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4), these impacts will be minimal.

5.1.7 Climatic factors

SEA Assessment questions for climatic factors:

• Will the plan help to reduce existing and avoid new Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions?

The interventions in this package should help to avoid new GHG emissions. The carbon impacts of waste in Scotland are well established, with significant emissions arising from disposal, as well as from the increased extraction of materials needed to produce new goods and materials. A focus on an increase in recycling should help to avoid these emissions. However, the processing of recyclate will require resources and cause emissions which may offset some of these reductions; this should be considered in future environmental assessments of (new) recycling facilities; assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF 4, impacts on GHG emissions should be minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to climatic factors and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

The extraction and production of virgin materials releases significant amounts of GHG: for Scottish household waste, 5.97Mt of CO2e was emitted during the production and manufacturing phase of materials and goods in 2020^[160].

The reduction in the demand for virgin materials should therefore avoid new GHG emissions. The extent of the reduction will depend on the material, as well as the substitution rate of secondary materials for virgin materials (i.e., does the production of 1 kg of secondary steel reduce the demand for virgin steel by 1kg?). A substitution rate less than one will offset some of the gains of virgin material reduction, but overall GHG emissions, and subsequent impacts on the climate, will be reduced.

Decrease in disposal of material via landfill

SEA Impact: +

The landfill of waste, in particular organic matter, can be a major emitter of GHG emissions; in 2021, the landfill of household waste accounted for just under 250kt of CO₂e of GHG emissions^[161]. By reducing the amount of waste requiring landfill, GHG emissions from landfill sites should also reduce.

Decrease in disposal of material by incineration

SEA Impact: +

The IPCC estimates that every tonne of waste incinerated releases 0.7-1.2 tCO2e^[162][163], and Zero Waste Scotland’s Carbon Metric calculated the emissions from the incineration of household waste in Scotland to be approximately 180ktCO₂e in 2021^[164]. This figure includes the emissions avoided as a result of energy recovery during incineration. As energy switches to renewable or lower carbon sources, the benefits of energy from waste will fall. Overall, a reduction in the incineration of waste will avoid new GHG emissions from the incineration process, and these benefits are likely to be greater over time.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate

SEA Impact: -/?

The processing of recyclate into secondary materials requires energy and material resources, both of which will result in GHG emissions. However, the use of secondary materials will likely reduce emissions at the aggregate, assuming these offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

Adverse impacts caused by the creation of new recycling facilities should be considered in future environmental assessments of the new site, along with any mitigation measures. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF 4, impacts on GHG emissions should be minimal.

5.1.8 Material Assets

SEA Assessment questions for material assets:

• Will it reduce use and promote sustainable management of natural resources?
• Will it reduce ‘leakage’ of material to landfill or energy recovery or as litter?

These interventions should help to reduce the extraction of natural resources and reduce the amount of material disposed. A focus on diversion from disposal to recycling should help to reduce the pressure on natural resources, assuming that these recycled materials can offset the production of virgin materials. An increase in recycling will require resources, and this should be considered in future environmental assessments of (new) recycling facilities, along with any mitigation.

Package outcomes relevant to material assets and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

Virgin material extraction depletes non-renewable stocks of natural resources. The reduction in the production of virgin materials will reduce extraction rates of raw materials. Additionally, if less material is ultimately extracted, less material will require disposal.

In a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a global decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced.

Decrease in disposal of material via landfill

SEA Impact: +

Increased diversion of material away from the residual waste stream will result in less material leakage to landfill, enabling materials to be kept in use for as long as possible.

Decrease in disposal of material by incineration

SEA Impact: +

Incineration and energy from waste plants require resources for construction and to continue to run. A reduction in the amount of material incinerated will reduce the requirement for any new incineration plants, which would require construction and other materials. Increased diversion of material away from the residual waste stream will result in less material leakage to energy recovery or landfill, enabling materials to be kept in use for as long as possible.

Reduced levels of litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Material that is littered or fly-tipped is a wasted resource. If the material can be recycled or reused, then a reduction in the amount of littered and fly-tipped material will help to reduce pressures on natural resource consumption. If some of the material is ultimately landfilled or incinerated, the impacts on material assets will be limited.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate.

SEA Impact: -/?

The processing of recyclate into secondary materials requires energy and may require some virgin materials as input. The use of secondary materials will likely reduce material consumption at the aggregate, however, assuming these offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

5.1.9 Landscape and visual impacts

SEA Assessment questions for landscape and visual impacts:

• Will the plan avoid adverse effects on landscapes and visual impacts?
• Will it safeguard and enhance the character and diversity of the Scottish landscape and areas of valuable landscape and geodiversity?

Package outcomes relevant to landscape and visual impacts and their likely impacts are discussed in below.

The interventions in this package should help to avoid adverse effects on landscapes and safeguard the character and diversity of the Scottish landscape. The focus on the diversion of waste from landfill to recycling should help to reduce the need for new landfill sites and extraction of virgin materials which can be replaced by secondary outputs from recycling. New recycling facilities may be required to deal with increased supply of recyclate; however, assuming alignment with Policy 12 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4), any adverse impacts caused by these new facilities will be minimal.

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

Virgin material extraction activity, such as tree felling, can negatively impact Scottish landscapes, resulting in losses of natural character and diversity. For example, Scotland produces approximately 7.5Mt of wood annually^[165]. Reduced felling of trees as a result of improved paper and card recycling rates may enhance landscapes.

In a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this package will cause a global decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced.

Decrease in disposal of material via landfill and incineration

SEA Impact: +

Landfill and energy from waste sites are generally considered to be unsightly, both in terms of the sites themselves and in the birds and rodents that may be attracted. A reduction in the construction of new landfill and EfW sites will therefore avoid adverse effects on landscapes and visual impacts.

Reduced levels of litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Littering and flytipping are generally considered an eye sore and can detract from landscapes and areas of natural beauty as well as towns and cities. 70% of respondents of the 2021 Keep Scotland Beautiful Scottish Litter Survey^[166] believe that litter is a problem locally, and 88% believe that it is a problem nationally.

A reduction in litter and flytipping is likely to reduce negative visual impacts and safeguard or improve the appearance of Scotland’s landscapes.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate

SEA Impact: -/?

Recycling facilities are an industrial waste management activity and would thus have adverse impacts on landscape. If new recycling facilities are required, then these have the potential to harm visual impacts depending on where they are located. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4), these impacts will be minimal.

5.1.10 Cultural heritage

SEA assessment questions for cultural heritage:

• Will the plan avoid adverse impacts on the historic environment including its setting?
• Will the plan protect and enhance valued landscapes, historic and archaeological sites and other culturally and historically important features, landscapes and their settings?
• Will the plan encourage the retention, reuse and repair of historic environment assets and materials?

Adverse impacts on valued cultural and historical may be avoided through increased stakeholder engagement and standardised services. Together, this may minimise the disruption of waste and recycling collection and reduce the likelihood of bin overflow.

Increased stakeholder engagement

SEA Impact: +/?

Co-designed services may allow stakeholders in areas of cultural heritage to ensure services minimise the impact on their setting, in particular through local community and neighbourhood involvement to gain insight into unique local circumstances. This may include, for example, standardised collections and appropriate capacities or collection frequencies to reduce traffic or risk of bin overflow.

5.2 Improve recycling from commercial businesses

5.2.1 Package Outcomes

Decrease in demand for virgin materials

Various measures in this package are aimed at increasing the reuse of items and materials and recycling rates of commercial waste. If successful, this will help to prevent the need for new products and increase the amount of secondary materials produced. These will likely fulfil some of the demand for virgin materials, although the exact amount will depend on market responses.

The repair of reused products and the production of secondary materials will require resources both in the form energy and materials.

Decrease in litter and flytipping

A co-designed, consistent, and widely accessible recycling service may reduce the likelihood of litter and flytipping.

Reduction in distance driven by waste collection vehicles

Co-designed measures may support optimisation and efficiency of waste collection activities, leading to fewer km driven by waste collection vehicles, and ultimately less traffic, less fossil fuel consumption, and less tail-pipe emissions from vehicles.

Increased stakeholder engagement

Co-design of collection services with input from local communities and neighbourhoods will bring to light unique local circumstances and challenges faced in different settings and geographies, for example, businesses located in historic areas. This ought to ensure that services are fit for purpose and lead to improved stakeholder satisfaction.

Decrease in materials disposed of by landfill and incineration

Increasing the amount of waste that is recycled should reduce the amount of material disposed of via landfill or incineration.

5.2.2 Biodiversity, flora, and fauna

SEA Assessment questions for biodiversity, flora, and fauna:

• Will the plan avoid adverse impacts to habitats and species?
• Will it protect, maintain, and enhance biodiversity?

Overall, the measures within this package should avoid adverse impacts to habitats and species through a reduction in habitat disruption from the reduction in production of virgin materials, and a reduction in pollution through a reduction in disposal and litter. Any negative impacts from this package are likely to come from the increased resource use from the processing of recyclate and from repair and maintenance; however, this is more than likely to be offset by the beneficial outcomes (such as those mentioned above).

Package outcomes relevant to biodiversity, flora, and fauna and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Reduced production of virgin materials.

SEA Impact: +/?

The extraction of virgin materials may have negative impacts on biodiversity due to increased pollution or disruption / destruction of habitats.

A reduction in extraction of virgin materials is likely to lead to lower impacts on habitats and species in regions where materials are extracted and processed. However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced, and consequently reduce risks to habitats and species.

Reduction in disposal via landfill.

SEA Impact: +

Habitats in and around bodies of water such as streams, ponds, lakes, and surrounding soils nearby to landfill sites can become polluted by leachate. A reduction in levels of waste disposal in landfill will lead to lower impacts on habitats and their resident species at a local level.

Landfilling materials, in particular organic matter, can be a major emitter of GHG emissions. Lower levels of landfill gas production, (methane in particular) will reduce the contribution to climate change and indirectly lessen impacts on species and habitats.

The reduced impact on landfill capacity will lessen the longer term requirement for the creation of new landfill sites and the corresponding clearance of wild areas. This in turn will reduce the number of habitats being lost or degraded to create new landfill sites.

Reduction in disposal via incineration

SEA Impact: +

Incineration of waste is a source of GHG emissions and air pollutants.

Reduced emissions from energy from waste facilities will lower the resultant contribution to climate change and indirectly lessen impacts on species and habitats.

Reduced manufacturing of new products and components

SEA Impact: +/?

The processes required to transform raw materials into finished components may have negative impacts on habitats and species. Since some of these processes will be avoided, there may be benefits to biodiversity, flora, and fauna.

Increased resource use from repair and maintenance activities

SEA Impact: ?

The repair and maintenance of products, components, and materials may produce pollutants that affect biodiversity. It is unknown at this stage if there would be significant impacts on biodiversity.

Reduced litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Littered and fly-tipped items can pose threats to local wildlife and biodiversity. Pollution e.g. microplastics and chemicals can threaten habitats and harm species if ingested. Some species may also be at risk of entanglement from littered items.

70% of respondents of the 2021 Keep Scotland Beautiful Scottish Litter Survey believe that litter is a problem locally, and 88% believe that it is a problem nationally. Respondents' top concern was the damage it might do to the natural environment and animals.

A reduction in litter and flytipping will reduce the risk of pollution and ecotoxicity in habitats and soils, as well as limiting the risks to wildlife from ingestion or entanglement.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate.

SEA Impact: -/?

Recycling processes require additional energy and other inputs, the production of which may have biodiversity impacts. This may offset, to some extent, the overall reduction in impacts anticipated by the reduced demand for virgin materials., e.g., reduced tree felling to produce packaging paper and cardboard.

Reduction in traffic

SEA Impact: +

Pollution from road traffic (in particular the effects described under environmental topics "Soil" and "Water") is likely to have a negative impact on nearby habitats and species. Air pollution is also harmful to sensitive habitats and the wildlife.^[167]

A reduction in road traffic is likely to limit these negative impacts on local biodiversity through reduced degradation of habitats. Fewer vehicles on the road will also reduce the risk of wildlife being injured or killed on the roads.

Decrease in the demand for fossil fuels

SEA Impact: +/?

Reduced fossil fuel extraction will result in a lower impact on nearby habitats and biodiversity; however, the extent of this reduction is likely to be small and would ultimately depend on global markets. Further adverse impacts on biodiversity may be avoided indirectly through a lower contribution to climate change.

5.2.3 Population and human health

SEA Assessment questions for population and human health:

• Will the plan reduce the health gap and inequalities and improve healthy life expectancy?
• Will it protect and improve human health and wellbeing through improving the quality of the living environment of people and communities?
• Will it increase sustainable access to essential services, employment, and the natural and historic environment?

This package will help to improve health outcomes, wellbeing, and should lead to a rise in sustainable employment. The reduction in disposal via both landfill and incineration will help to reduce negative impacts to wellbeing such as odour and noise and will reduce negative health impacts through lower air pollution. There may be an impact on manufacturing jobs if reuse and repair reduce demand for new products, however this may be offset by jobs relating to repair and maintenance.

Package outcomes relevant to population and human health and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Reduced production of virgin materials.

SEA Impact: +/?

In 2020, 39,000 people were employed in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry industry in Scotland (1.5% of all people aged 16+ in employment), and 62,900 were employed in the mining and quarrying industry (2.4%).

There may be impacts on employment in material extraction as a result of a reduced demand for virgin materials.

However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced.

It is likely than any negative impacts on employment in virgin material extraction industries will be offset by increased opportunities for green jobs e.g. recycling facilities - aligning with the Just Transition: it is estimated that up to 60,000 new jobs could be created by implementing circular strategies in Scotland^[168]

Reduction in disposal via landfill.

SEA Impact: +

Nuisance caused by landfill sites on a local level is likely to be in the form of odour, noise, increased traffic, and vermin.

Landfills can result in community impact throughout their life cycle. During the operational phase, when wastes are deposited, communities can be negatively impacted by nuisance issues such as odour, dust, noise and vermin. Odour is a significant environmental cause of public complaints of people living near waste treatment facilities and negatively affects quality of life and wellbeing. Odour can be a cause of stress and anxiety, even when the substances causing the odours are not harmful to health at the levels detected at waste treatment locations. Landfills, and specifically landfill odour, account for a significant proportion of public environmental event complaints made to SEPA. In extreme cases, where sites are poorly operated, or have specific gas management issues to address, this has resulted in several hundred public complaints in a single day. Three operational landfills are currently classified by SEPA as sites of ongoing community impact. In 2021, these sites alone accounted for 987 substantiated complaints to SEPA.^[169]

If lower volumes of waste are destined for landfill due to the measures proposed in the Route Map, a reduced negative impact on the wellbeing of nearby residents is likely.

Reduction in disposal via incineration

SEA Impact: +/?

Pollution from EfW plants may have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of nearby residents, and there is scope for further research into potential negative mental and psychological impacts of living close to an incinerator.^[170]. Measures targeted at reducing residual waste destined for incineration may therefore have a positive impact on nearby residents.

However, the risk to human health associated with newer incinerators operated within the current regulations, which are based on a precautionary approach, is likely to be minimal and very difficult to detect^[171]. Therefore, health impacts of a reduction in waste incinerated are expected to be minor.

Reduced manufacturing of new products and components

SEA Impact: ?

In 2020, 182,100 people were employed in the manufacturing industry in Scotland (7.0% of all people aged 16+ in employment)^[172].

There may be impacts on employment in product manufacturing sector, combined with increased opportunities for green jobs e.g. Re-manufacture, repair etc. - aligning with the Just Transition to green jobs. The Circularity Gap Report estimates that 60,000 new jobs could be created by implementing circular strategies in Scotland^[173]

Reduced litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

There are limited studies on the health impacts of litter, with most studies associating high incidences of litter as contributory effects to adverse mental health impacts, particularly anxiety and depression.

Improved wellbeing and subsequent mental health benefits are therefore likely if a reduction in litter is achieved.

Reduction in traffic

SEA Impact: +

Road traffic contributes to air pollution, as discussed under the environmental topic "Air". Exposure to air pollution is harmful to people’s health in terms of premature mortality and morbidity, mainly related to respiratory and cardiovascular disease. It is widely accepted that outdoor air pollution causes damage to human health across a wide range of conditions, from pre-birth to old age. Road traffic is also a major source of ambient noise^[174].

High levels of air pollution increase the risk of common diseases (for example asthma, respiratory and heart disease), especially in people who are more vulnerable due to age (the very young and the elderly) or existing health conditions.

A reduction in road traffic and congestion will result in local improvements to air quality due to reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and a subsequent decrease in the risk to local residents.

5.2.4 Soil

SEA Assessment questions for soil:

• Will the plan safeguard and improve soil quality, quantity and function in Scotland, particularly high value agricultural land and carbon-rich soils?

Overall, this package should help to safeguard soil quality in Scotland through a reduction in soil pollution from landfill sites and a reduction in virgin material production (particularly biomass, including agriculture). There may be some negative impacts on soils from the increase in the processing of recyclate and repair and maintenance, however, assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF4, these impacts should be minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to soil and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Reduced production of virgin materials

SEA Impact: +/?

Extraction of virgin materials often has significant land use requirements and processes may be disruptive to soils in the area. There is a risk of material and chemical pollution resulting from these processes e.g. fertilisers and pesticides associated with timber production may pollute nearby soils, reducing soil quality on a local scale.

A reduction in virgin material extraction will lead to a reduction in the levels of associated soil disruption. There may also be a decrease in the level of pollutants produced from virgin material extraction which could negatively impact the quality of nearby soils.

However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced in Scotland.

Reduction in disposal via landfill

SEA Impact: +

Leachate from landfill sites can contaminate soils in the surrounding area. A reduction in volumes of material disposed of via landfill will lessen the impact on soil quality in the long term. A reduced impact on landfill capacity will lessen or delay the longer term requirement for the creation of new sites, thus avoiding an increase in areas of soil vulnerable to material pollution and leachate from landfill sites.

Reduction in disposal via incineration

SEA Impact: +

Soils near incinerators may become polluted and any negative impacts on soils will be reduced as a result of a decrease in waste sent to incinerators or energy from waste facilities.

Reduced manufacturing of new products and components

SEA Impact: +/?

Pollutants from manufacturing facilities may leak into the surrounding area, resulting in a risk of soil degradation on a local scale.

There may be a decrease in the level of pollutants produced from manufacturing plants which in turn could improve the quality of nearby soils.

Increased resource use from repair and maintenance activities

SEA Impact: ?

The repair and maintenance of products, components, and materials may produce pollutants that affect soils. It is unknown at this stage if there would be significant impacts on soils.

Reduced litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Material pollution e.g. littered plastic packaging and potential toxicity risks from fly-tipped items e.g. large electrical appliances are likely to have a negative impact on local soil quality.

Risks of adverse impacts on soil quality will therefore be reduced if a reduction in litter and flytipping is achieved.

Increased resource use and pollution from processing of recyclate.

SEA Impact: ?

Pollution from recycling facilities into nearby soils is possible. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4), these impacts will be minimal.

Reduction in traffic

SEA Impact: +

Pollutants from road traffic such as microplastic pollution from tyres may have a negative impact on nearby soil quality. A reduction in traffic would result in a reduction in these negative impacts.

5.2.5 Water

SEA Assessment questions for water:

• Will the plan ensure the sustainable use of water resources?
• Will it help to reduce levels of water pollution?

This package is likely to ensure the sustainable use of water resources through a reduction in the demand for virgin materials, including fossil fuels; however, an increase in reuse and maintenance, and an increase in recycling, will offset some of this reduction. The package will help to reduce levels of water pollution thanks to a reduction in the demand for virgin materials and a reduction in landfill, which will in-turn reduce the chance of water pollution and contamination from leachate. Again, however, care should be taken that the increased levels of recycling and maintenance (e.g., washing) will not lead to an increase in water pollution. These potential impacts should be considered in future environmental assessments of new recycling facilities, and suitable mitigation should be described; assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF4, these impacts will be minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to water and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Reduced production of virgin materials.

SEA Impact: +/?

There is a risk of water pollution on a local scale due to virgin material extraction processes. For example, Scotland produces approximately 7.5Mt of wood per annum^[175]. Fertilisers and pesticides associated with timber production may leak into nearby bodies of water.

A reduction in extraction of virgin materials is therefore likely to lead to a decrease in the level of pollutants produced from extraction processes which could negatively impact the quality of nearby bodies of water. There will also be a reduction in any water use associated with extraction processes.

However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced in Scotland.

Reduction in disposal via landfill.

SEA Impact: +

Leachate from landfill sites can pollute nearby bodies of water. A reduction in volumes of material disposed of via landfill will lessen the impact on water quality in the long term. A reduced impact on landfill capacity will lessen or delay the longer term requirement for the creation of new sites, thus avoiding an increase in the bodies of water vulnerable to material pollution and leachate from landfill sites.

Reduction in disposal via incineration

SEA Impact: +

Some energy from waste processes will require water, and so a reduction in residual waste processed at these plants will result in a decrease in resultant water use. Any pollution impacts on nearby bodies of water will also decrease.

Reduced manufacturing of new products and components

SEA Impact: +/?

Some manufacturing processes will require large amounts of water. Pollutants from manufacturing facilities may leak into nearby bodies of water, resulting in a risk of increased water pollution.

A reduction in the manufacturing of new products/components will result in a reduction in the water use during the processes involved. There will also be a decrease in the level of pollutants produced from manufacturing plants which could result in an improvement in the quality of nearby bodies of water.

Increased resource use from repair and maintenance activities

SEA Impact: -/?

Maintaining and, in particular, cleaning reusable goods will require water use. An increase in popularity of reusable items may therefore result in an increase in water use.

Reduced litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Levels of marine and freshwater toxicity may be increased as a result of nearby flytipping.

A reduction in litter and flytipping will result in lower levels of material pollution as well as marine and freshwater toxicity, thus improving the quality of bodies of water in Scotland.

Increased resource use and pollution from processing of recyclate.

SEA Impact: -/?

Some recycling processes require water, so an increase in recycling is likely to increase associated water use.

However, the use of secondary materials is likely to reduce water use associated with virgin material production, assuming the outputs of recycling activity offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

Reduction in traffic

SEA Impact: +

Pollutants from tyre and brake wear, exhaust emissions, and oil and fuel deposits can enter the water environment as a result of road traffic. A reduction in traffic may result in a decrease in related damage to the quality of nearby bodies of water.

Decrease in the demand for fossil fuels

SEA Impact: +/?

Water is used in the extraction and processing of fossil fuels. A reduction in the demand for fossil fuels will lead to a decrease in water use in the long term.

Bodies of water surrounding or nearby to sites where fossil fuels are extracted are also at risk of pollution e.g. sustained pollution, oil spills. A reduction in fossil fuel demand will lower the risk of such damage to water bodies. However, the extent of the reduction will depend on global market responses.

5.2.6 Air

SEA Assessment questions for air:

• Will the plan avoid adverse impacts to air quality?
• Will it reduce emissions of key pollutants and improve air quality throughout Scotland?
• Will it reduce levels of nuisance e.g. noise, vibration, dust, odour, and light?

The interventions in this package should avoid adverse impacts to air quality. The reduction of virgin material production and of disposal (via landfill and incineration) caused by increased recycling should help to reduce the emissions of key pollutants and reduce levels of nuisance. The review of compliance with commercial recycling requirements and any subsequent co-designed measures may also help to reduce air pollution if it leads to a more environmentally efficient commercial waste services. There is potential for the increase in recycling to lead to increased pollution. Any new recycling facilities should be subject to their own environmental assessment; assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF4, these impacts should be minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to air and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Reduced production of virgin materials.

SEA Impact: +/?

Material extraction processes and the associated transport and energy use are likely to emit airborne pollutants. The scale and nature of these emissions will depend on the material in question.

A reduction in extraction of virgin materials is therefore likely to result in a reduction in associated airborne pollutants, thus improving air quality on a local scale. There will also be a decrease in the level of noise and nuisance associated with virgin material extraction.

However, in a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced in Scotland.

Reduction in disposal via landfill.

SEA Impact: +

Several air pollutants are associated with landfill gas production. A reduction in waste disposed of via landfill is likely to have a positive impact on air quality. Odour levels will also be reduced if the requirement for additional landfill sites is lessened or delayed from a decrease in residual waste arisings.

Reduction in disposal via incineration

SEA Impact: +/?

Incineration of waste is linked to air and noise pollution on a local scale, though with current stringent emissions standards, the evidence is that the air quality impacts are likely to be small^[176]. A reduction in volumes of waste disposed of by incineration or energy from waste is likely to have a minor positive impact on air quality.

Reduced manufacturing of new products and components

SEA Impact: +/?

Manufacturing processes are often responsible for the emission of airborne pollutants. For example, one SEPA regulated industrial site under the category "Paper and wood production and processing" was responsible for 64 tonnes of particulate matter pollution to air above reporting threshold in 2021, 15.2% of the total across all regulated sites^[177].

A reduction in the manufacturing of new products/components will result in a reduction in associated airborne pollutants, thus improving air quality on a local scale. There will also be a decrease in the level of noise and nuisance on a local scale surrounding manufacturing plants.

Increased resource use from repair and maintenance activities

SEA Impact: ?

The repair and maintenance of products, components, and materials will require resources, including energy. It is unknown at this stage if there would be significant impacts on air quality.

Increased resource use and pollution from processing of recyclate.

SEA Impact: -/?

Some recycling processes may contribute to air pollution, though the use of the secondary materials will likely reduce air pollution at the aggregate, assuming the outputs from recycling offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

Any new recycling facilities should be subject to their own environmental assessment. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF4, impacts will be minimal.

Reduction in traffic

SEA Impact: +

Road transport in urban areas is a significant contributor to poor air quality^[178] due to emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides in the air. A reduction in road traffic and congestion is likely to have a positive impact on local air quality.

Decrease in the demand for fossil fuels

SEA Impact: +/?

Fossil fuels are a significant contributor of airborne pollutants both when they are extracted and when they are burned (as an energy source). A reduction in the demand for fossil fuels should lead to a reduction in air pollution, but the extent of the reduction will depend on global market responses.

5.2.7 Climatic factors

SEA Assessment questions for climatic factors:

• Will the plan help to reduce existing and avoid new Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions?

The interventions in this package should help to avoid new GHG emissions. The carbon impacts of waste in Scotland are well established, with significant emissions arising from disposal, as well as from the increased extraction of materials needed to produce new goods and materials. An increase in recycling should help to avoid these emissions. However, the processing of recyclate and the repair and maintenance of products will require resources and cause emissions which may offset some of these reductions; this should be considered in future environmental assessments of (new) recycling and other facilities, along with any mitigation. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF 4, impacts on GHG emissions should be minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to climatic factors and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Reduced production of virgin materials.

SEA Impact: +/?

The extraction and production of virgin materials releases significant amounts of GHG: for Scottish household waste, 5.97Mt of CO₂e were emitted during the production and manufacturing phase of materials and goods in 2020^[179] In 2016, the production and manufacturing of commercial materials and goods that entered the waste stream amounted to 6.69Mt of CO2e^[180] The reduction in the demand of virgin materials should therefore avoid new GHG emissions. The extent of the reduction will depend on the material, as well as the substitution rate of secondary materials for virgin materials (i.e., does the production of 1 kg of secondary steel reduce the demand for virgin steel by 1kg.). A substitution rate less than one will offset some of the gains of virgin material reduction, but overall GHG emissions, and subsequent impacts on the climate, will be reduced.

Reduction in disposal via landfill.

SEA Impact: +

The landfill of waste, in particular organic matter, can be a major emitter of GHG emissions; in 2021, the landfill of household waste accounted for just under 250kt of CO2eq of GHG emissions^[181]. The landfill of commercial waste accounted for 378kt of CO₂e in Scotland in 2016^[182]. By reducing the amount of waste requiring landfill, GHG emissions from landfill sites should also reduce.

Reduction in disposal via incineration

SEA Impact: +

The IPCC estimates that every tonne of waste incinerated releases 0.7-1.2 tCO₂e^[183][184], and energy from waste contributed 0.3MtCO₂e to Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2021^[185]. As energy switches to renewable or lower carbon sources, the benefits of energy from waste will fall. Overall, a reduction in the incineration of waste will avoid new GHG emissions from the incineration process, and these benefits are likely to be greater over time.

Reduced manufacturing of new products and components

SEA Impact: +/?

The production of new components or products requires energy and resources that will emit GHG. Thus, the reduction in the number of components or products produced will help to avoid new GHG emissions. The amount avoided will be dependent on the products and components in question, as well as the substitution rate of reused products / components for new components.

Increased resource use from repair and maintenance activities

SEA Impact: -/?

Maintaining products to a certain standard may require both energy and new materials and components. There will therefore likely be some additional emissions associated with the resources required to maintain products. Product reuse will likely reduce emissions at the aggregate, however, assuming product reuse offsets or delays the need for new products.

The processing of recyclate into secondary materials requires energy and material resources, both of which will result in GHG emissions. However, the use of secondary materials will likely reduce emissions at the aggregate, assuming these offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF 4, impacts of any new facilities on GHG emissions should be minimal.

Increased resource use and pollution from processing of recyclate.

SEA Impact: -/?

The processing of recyclate into secondary materials requires energy and material resources, both of which will result in GHG emissions. However, the use of secondary materials will likely reduce emissions at the aggregate, assuming these offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of NPF 4, impacts of any new facilities on GHG emissions should be minimal.

Reduction in traffic

SEA Impact: +

Internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) are significant emitters of GHGs in Scotland, with private motoring responsible for 5.3Mt of CO₂e in 2018 ^[186]. Heavy traffic can lead to an increase in vehicles, including remaining stationary and consequently emitting more GHGs. A reduction in traffic would therefore help to reduce GHG emissions.

Decrease in the demand for fossil fuels

SEA Impact: +/?

Fossil fuels are a significant contributor of GHG emissions both when they are extracted and when they are burned as an energy source. A reduction in the demand for fossil fuels should lead to a reduction both in their extraction and as an energy source, but the extent of the reduction will depend on global market responses.

5.2.8 Material Assets

SEA Assessment questions for material assets:

• Will it reduce use and promote sustainable management of natural resources?
• Will it reduce ‘leakage’ of material to landfill or energy recovery or as litter?

These interventions should help to reduce the extraction of natural resources and reduce the amount of material disposed. Increasing reuse and recycling should help to reduce the pressure on natural resources, assuming that reused products / components and recycled materials can offset the production of virgin materials. An increase in recycling and reuse will require resources, and this should be considered in future environmental assessments of (new) recycling and other facilities, along with any mitigation.

Package outcomes relevant to material assets and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Reduced production of virgin materials.

SEA Impact: +/?

Virgin material extraction depletes non-renewable stocks of natural resources. The reduction in the production of virgin materials will reduce extraction rates of raw materials. Additionally, if less material is ultimately extracted, less material will require disposal.

In a global context, it is unknown whether the fall in demand for virgin materials as a result of this plan will cause a decline in the amount of resources extracted/produced in Scotland.

Reduction in disposal via landfill.

SEA Impact: +

Increased diversion of material away from the residual waste stream will result in less material leakage to landfill, enabling materials to be kept in use for as long as possible.

Reduction in disposal via incineration

SEA Impact: +

Incineration and energy from waste plants require resources for construction and to continue to run. A reduction in the amount of material incinerated will reduce the requirement for any new incineration plants, which would require construction and other materials. Increased diversion of material away from the residual waste stream will result in less material leakage to energy recovery or landfill, enabling materials to be kept in use for as long as possible.

Reduced manufacturing of new products and components

SEA Impact: +/?

The production of new components/products will require materials, both virgin and secondary materials. Avoiding the production of new components/products will help to reduce pressures on resource consumption and promote the sustainable management of natural resources.

Increased resource use from repair and maintenance activities

SEA Impact: -/?

The repair and refurbishment of existing products will require some materials to maintain products to a certain standard. However, product reuse will likely reduce material and resource consumption at the aggregate, assuming product reuse offsets or delays the need for new products, the production of which would require more/additional materials and resources. The extent of the reduction will depend on the extent to which reused products substitute new products.

Reduced litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Material that is littered or fly-tipped is a wasted resource. If the material can be recycled or reused, then a reduction in the amount of littered/fly-tipped material will help to reduce pressures on natural resource consumption. If some of the material is ultimately landfilled or incinerated, the impacts on material assets will be limited.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate.

SEA Impact: -/?

The processing of recyclate into secondary materials requires energy and may require some virgin materials as input. The use of secondary materials will likely reduce material consumption at the aggregate, however, assuming these offset or delay the need for virgin materials.

Decrease in the demand for fossil fuels

SEA Impact: +/?

Fossil fuels are a finite resource, of which Scotland extracted 74.5Mt in 2018^[187]. A reduction in the demand for fossil fuels should lead to a reduction in their extraction, but the extent of the reduction will depend on global market responses and may be limited.

5.2.9 Landscape and visual impacts

SEA Assessment questions for landscape and visual impacts:

• Will the plan avoid adverse effects on landscapes and visual impacts?
• Will it safeguard and enhance the character and diversity of the Scottish landscape and areas of valuable landscape and geodiversity?

The interventions in this package should help to avoid adverse effects on landscapes and safeguard the character and diversity of Scottish landscape. The focus on the diversion of waste from landfill to recycling should help to reduce the need for new landfill sites. However, new recycling facilities may be required to deal with increased supply of recyclate; however, assuming alignment with Policy 12 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4), any adverse effects will be minimal.

Package outcomes relevant to landscape and visual impacts and their likely impacts are discussed below.

Reduced production of virgin materials.

SEA Impact: +

Virgin material extraction activity, such as tree felling, can negatively impact Scottish landscapes, resulting in losses of natural character and diversity.

For example, Scotland produces approximately 7.5Mt of wood annually. Reduced felling of trees as a result of improved paper and card recycling rates may enhance landscapes.

In Scotland, approximately 21Mt of stone was extracted for building or ornamental purposes in 2018^[188]. A reduction in the demand for virgin materials such as stone may prevent new mines from being opened, thereby avoiding adverse effect on landscapes.

Reduction in disposal via landfill.

SEA Impact: +

Landfill sites are generally considered to be unsightly, both in terms of the sites themselves and in the birds and rodents that are attracted to the sites. A reduction in the construction of new landfill sites will therefore avoid adverse effects on landscapes and visual impacts.

Reduced litter and flytipping

SEA Impact: +

Littering and flytipping are generally considered an eye sore and can detract from landscapes and areas of natural beauty as well as towns and cities. 70% of respondents of the 2021 Keep Scotland Beautiful Scottish Litter Survey believe that litter is a problem locally, and 88% believe that it is a problem nationally^[189].

A reduction in litter and flytipping is likely to reduce negative visual impacts and safeguard or improve the appearance of Scotland’s landscapes.

Increased resource use from processing of recyclate.

SEA Impact: -/?

Recycling facilities are an industrial waste management activity and would thus have adverse impacts on landscape. If new recycling facilities are required, then these have the potential to harm visual impacts depending on where they are located. Assuming alignment with Policy 12 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4), these impacts will be minimal.

5.2.10 Cultural heritage

SEA assessment questions for cultural heritage:

• Will the plan avoid adverse impacts on the historic environment including its setting?
• Will the plan protect and enhance valued landscapes, historic and archaeological sites and other culturally and historically important features, landscapes and their settings?
• Will the plan encourage the retention, reuse and repair of historic environment assets and materials?

Adverse impacts on valued cultural and historical may be avoided through increased stakeholder engagement and standardised services. Together, this may minimise the disruption of waste and recycling collection and reduce the likelihood of bin overflow.

Increased stakeholder engagement

SEA Impact: +/?

Co-designed services may allow stakeholders in areas of cultural heritage to ensure services minimise the impact on their setting, in particular through local community and neighbourhood involvement to gain insight into unique local circumstances. This may include, for example, standardised collections and appropriate capacities or collection frequencies to reduce traffic or risk of bin overflow.

Reduction in traffic / Standardised collection services

SEA Impact: +/?

The traffic caused by, and the presence of, waste and recycling vehicles that service commercial sites close to cultural and historical settings may have adverse impacts. Co-designing measures to improve services may help to reduce the number of visits necessary to service an area, and thus reduce these adverse impacts.