Single-Use Disposable Beverage Cups Charge Strategic Environmental Assessment: Environmental Report

6. Maximisation of benefits, mitigation, monitoring, and evaluation

6.1 Maximisation of environmental benefits

The following actions could be considered in order to maximise the benefits identified throughout this assessment:

• A communications campaign could be developed to encourage consumers to promote the move to reusable cups and to remember their reusable cups;
• Guidance could be given to businesses on running reuse and return schemes (e.g. deposit return) for reusable cups to make it easier for consumers to reduce their consumption of single-use disposable beverage cups;
• Consumers should be encouraged to wash their reusable cups as part of a full dishwasher load where possible instead of by hand under a hot tap to reduce water consumption; and
• Support and advice should be offered to businesses to promote how the revenue received from the proposed charge could be used depending on final policy development.

6.2 Mitigation of unintended consequences

• Further research into migration from food contact materials could help to inform advice to consumers on which materials are safest for use as reusable beverage cups;
• It should be acknowledged that it is expected that a significant number of single-use disposable beverage cups will still remain on the market after the implementation of the charge. Efforts to improve the recycling rates of these items should still continue, and initiatives to improve recycling infrastructure or increase the recycled content of these items should not be neglected following the introduction of the charge;
• Research could be conducted to determine the most environmentally friendly cleaning method for reusable cups, and advice provided to consumers and businesses running reuse schemes; and
• Further research could be conducted to determine the most environmentally friendly options on the Scottish market for both reusable and single-use disposable beverage cups.

6.3 Monitoring and evaluation

It is recommended that a formal monitoring and evaluation plan is drawn up as soon as possible, with the collection of baseline data treated as a priority in advance of the introduction of any charge. Indicators should be agreed alongside a process for capturing consistent, reliable, and accurate data.

This assessment has highlighted some knowledge gaps, for example, surrounding consumer behaviours towards reusable cups. Improving our understanding of the baseline in these areas will help to improve the quality of assessment that can be undertaken once the charge has been introduced.

Clear objectives should be set to confirm what the charge is expected to achieve and the timeframes in which it should aim to do so. These objectives can then form the basis of an evaluation. Consultation responses from the public and other stakeholders should be used to help inform these objectives.