Shetland Islands Council is asking the public to respond to a national consultation aimed at reducing the supply of single use plastics.
The Scottish Government is consulting on the introduction of market restrictions on the sale or supply of the most common items of single-use plastic litter on European beaches.
The consultation seeks views on legislation to restrict the sale or commercial supply of single-use items, such as plastic plates, straws, cutlery, balloon sticks, and polystyrene food and drink containers. Also included are products made from oxo-degradable plastics, which contain additives, are non-compostable and which contribute to micro-plastic pollution in the environment.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the Scottish Government intends to make legislative changes in 2021, as part of Scotland’s efforts to tackle the negative impact of plastic litter on land and at sea. This would also promote a circular economy – encouraging greater reuse and recycling – and keep Scotland aligned with European environmental standards.
Ryan Thomson, Chair of the Council’s Environment and Transport Committee, said: “Throwaway plastics are now a real problem, globally and locally. I am sure that we all want to reduce plastic pollution in our seas and beaches especially, and I know the Shetland community feels strongly about this. I welcome this consultation to gather views on restrictions on the supply of single use plastic items, such as cutlery, cups and straws, which are among some of the most commonly found items of plastic litter. I’d urge individuals and groups to provide their own thoughts on this consultation, so that we can all help tackle this issue.”
The Consultation on “Single-use plastic items - market restrictions” ends on 04 January 2021 and can be found at: https://consult.gov.scot/zero-waste-delivery/introducing-market-restrictions-on-single-use-plas/
More information on the single use plastics consultation can be found on Zero Waste Scotland’s website at: https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/our-work/single-use-plastics-public-consultation