Scotland's Journey to a Low-Waste Future: Our Response to the Single Use Cup Consultation
2050 Climate Group has shared its youth-led response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on a charge for single-use cups. With nearly 400 million cups thrown away annually, it’s time to act.
Scotland's Journey to a Low-Waste Future: Our Response
Single-use disposable beverage cups might seem like a small convenience, but their environmental impact can be enormous. Most of these cups aren't fully recyclable, and millions end up in landfills or as litter, contributing to pollution and exacerbating climate change. The Scottish Government recently consulted on introducing a charge for single-use cups and 2050 Climate Group was proud to speak to young people to collect their views on this important policy.
Why does this matter?
Nearly 400 million single-use cups are thrown away in Scotland every year. While Scotland has made impressive progress on reducing plastic bag use – cutting it by over 80% within a year of introducing a charge – single-use cups remain a persistent problem. Tackling this issue is a vital step toward creating a more sustainable, low-waste future.
What did we say?
As a charity that empowers young people to take action on climate change, we gathered insights from our network to reflect their views in our response. Here are some key points:
A 25p charge: The majority agreed that a 25p minimum charge is a fair starting point. It's enough to encourage change without being overly burdensome, but regular reviews are essential to track its impact.
Consistency is crucial: We called for a nationally set charge, applied to all single-use cups - even biodegradable ones - to ensure clear messaging and fairness.
Support for everyone: Proceeds from the charge should fund affordable or free reusable options, ensuring low-income and disabled communities aren't disadvantaged.
Helping businesses adapt: Clear guidance, financial support, and a lead-in period are key to helping businesses implement the charge successfully.
This consultation highlights the need for bold action and inclusive solutions to tackle waste. By publishing our response, we hope to amplify the voices of Scotland's young people and inspire further progress.
Together, we can create a culture where reusable cups are the norm, not the exception. Let's keep working towards a greener Scotland!