A NEW law is being proposed which would see companies banned from destroying unsold durable goods.
The move comes in a bid to increase reuse and recycling rates.
The Circular Economy Bill will also include measures to introduce charges for single-use coffee cups and other disposable beverage containers.
A consultation on the bill was launched by Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater, who said: “To tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis, we need to rapidly reduce our demand for raw material, increase reuse and repair and recycle more.
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“We must make a circular option the easy option for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.
“I want everyone in the country to experience a modern, easy-to-use waste service that makes it easy for people to do the right thing for the planet.”
The Green minister also said the latest proposals would include powers to set local recycling targets and require businesses to report surplus and waste figures for goods such as food and textiles.
There are also talks about making it possible to fine the owner of a vehicle if litter is dropped from it.
Slater added: “We are already taking action, including delivering Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme and our £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund, but we know we need to move faster if we are to meet our climate obligations.”
Scotland’s Climate Change Plan sets out various measures including the phasing out of a need for new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, as well as investment into peatland and woodland.
Slater continued: “It requires us to be bold, brave and focused on delivering the actions needed – and this must be a collective effort.
“These consultations set out the key proposed actions and the tools we will put in place to help everyone play their part in cutting waste in our economy, capitalising on the economic opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses.
“The Circular Economy Bill will give us the powers to cut waste in our economy, while preserving precious resources and protecting our natural environment.”
Environmental campaigners have welcomed the latest move amidst calls for strong targets to reduce global extraction of resources supplying the Scottish economy.
They also want to see measures introduced to change the way materials are used in Scotland.
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Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Kim Pratt said: "The Scottish Government has made some really encouraging suggestions in the Circular Economy Bill.
“We need circularity to be embedded throughout government and Scotland’s economic sectors for it to be as effective as possible.
“The commitment to regular reviews and the creation of a circular economic public body are welcome.”
Scotland’s material footprint in 2017 was 18 tonnes per person, which is higher than the EU’s average of 14 tonnes per person.
Experts have suggested we can live sustainable, high-quality lives with eight tonnes per person by making the move to a circular economy where materials are reused and recycles as much as possible.
Pratt added: “This new organisation needs to be independent of government and adequately funded. Creating a circular economy will require a step change in the scale and rate of change, based on strong leadership and collaboration.
“Now is the time to be bold.”
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