A new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy for Scotland
28 June 2023
The Scottish Government today, 28 June 2023, published Scotland’s first joint National Litter and Flytipping Strategy.
Barry Fisher, our CEO, commented:
“Today marks a significant step forward in tackling the litter emergency, and we welcome the important milestone that the launch of this Strategy represents. It will provide a much-needed strategic framework for collaboration to tackle the litter emergency.
“We have been working hard with partners, including the Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), to develop a Strategy fit for purpose. We have been clear in defining what our asks for the new strategy are whilst emphasising the importance of it being supported by a fully financed and resourced action plan over its lifetime.
“The Strategy 2023/24 Action Plan doesn’t deliver everything we asked for, but we recognise that the country is facing a number of challenges which make this unrealistic at this time. We realise that the Strategy will not immediately reverse the decline we have recorded in cleanliness levels across Scotland, however it is a positive start, and we are now calling on everyone to play their part.
“Looking forward there are significant policy measures being brought forward which have the potential to finance, influence and drive change in those behaviours that can impact upon the number and type of items littered including Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, the introduction of a charge for single-use coffee cups, and the delayed Deposit Return Scheme.
“As a key delivery partner of the Strategy’s 2023/24 Action Plan, we are committed to working hard with our partners, funders and communities across the country. There is no doubt, urgent action is needed now and appropriate increased investment in the future is essential if we are to revitalise our communities and clean up Scotland.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the Strategy, alongside Scotland’s Marine Litter Strategy, is delivered for all those in Scotland who care. It will be an invaluable tool for us all, but we must not stop striving for greater collaboration, commitment and action as we push towards becoming a litter free nation.
“The climate, nature and litter emergencies are all interlinked; with unsustainable consumption at the heart of all three. Tackling litter will lead to important, positive impacts on efforts to combat climate change and halt biodiversity loss.
“We urge everyone to play their part and support our efforts to keep Scotland beautiful.”
