Tough action proposed for food waste as target ‘highly likely’ to be missed

Tougher action is needed to reduce household food waste as it is “highly likely” Scotland will miss a 2025 target to reduce it, the Scottish Government has said.

The Government aims to publish a “behaviour intervention plan” to “inspire action at various decision-making stages”, including when food is purchased.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin published a circular economy route map on Wednesday, which also suggested strengthening householders’ duty of care around the disposal of waste and enhancing councils’ powers to prevent contamination of recycling bins with the wrong rubbish.

Other actions include considering the mandatory provision of kerbside textile recycling, as this type of waste accounts for a significant proportion of material going to landfill.

The current target is to reduce food waste by a third from the 2013 baseline, but the latest figures from 2021 showed food waste had increased by 5%.

The report said: “The latest data shows the scale of the problem has increased in Scotland over the past decade, and it is highly likely we will fall short in meeting our 2025 target.

“Part of the challenge is consistent and regular measuring of food waste, rather than estimation. Without understanding the volume and source of waste, it is difficult to know where to focus action and resources to make a real impact.”

Households contribute around 60% of Scotland’s food waste, with an estimate of around 111kg per person per year.

The Government report said it will review policies which could reduce household food waste, adding: “This will enable us to develop a behaviour intervention plan by 2026/27, focusing on a test of change and improvement approach.

”Rural businesses have an exemption from food waste recycling rules but this will be reviewed as part of the road map.

The Circular Economy Bill, which was passed at Holyrood earlier this year, created powers to issue fines for those who “deliberately contaminate” recycling, but ministers said this would only be used for repeat offenders.

Ms Martin launched the route map at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh, which upcycles discarded wooden furniture.

She said: “Reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis.

“We must make the circular option – where we value materials and keep them in use for as long as possible, either in their original form or recycled – an easier choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.

“The route map sets out an ambitious plan to help make this a reality and I want to thank all those who have contributed to its development.

“There have been consistently high levels of support for its actions, which promote and support responsible production and consumption, along with the sustainable management of Scotland’s resources – and the final route map will be key to supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero and economic growth goals.”