The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on bringing in a charge for single-use cups.

Ten years after the Scottish Government introduced charges on plastic bags in supermarkets, it is now considering a similar scheme which would see a 25p charge on single-use cups.

However, Holyrood is considering bringing in the levy for all single-use drinks cups when a drink is bought, regardless of material.

To justify the introduction, Ministers have pointed to the fact that there was an 80% drop in the use of single-use carrier bags when the 5p charge was introduced in 2014.

An estimated 388 million single-use cups were used in Scotland in 2021-22 creating 5,400 tonnes of waste.

READ MORE: Scottish Government seeking views on 25p charge for one-use drinks cups

 

Exemptions would apply for the new scheme for specific locations and uses, such as in schools. Free drinks in hospital or care settings would not be included in the scope of the charge.

The Scottish Government also said a similar charge is already in use in the Netherlands, while the Republic of Ireland has passed legislation allowing for one but has yet to bring a levy into force.

But what do you think?

Should this new charge on single use drinking cups, regardless of material, be introduced?

Let us know in the poll below.

However, if you're wanting the Scottish Government to hear what you think on the planned legislation, the consultation can be responded to here. For information on post or email responses click here.