Farm plastics are a significant source of soft plastics. In 2020, Zero Waste Scotland carried out a market analysis of farm film plastics with the support of ADAS. This analysis provides information on the market dynamics and potential solutions for recycling farm plastics. https://cdn.zerowastescotland.org.uk/managed-downloads/mf-ndywketi-1680012009d

From 2027, all local authorities must collect soft plastic films and flexibles through kerbside recycling programs. This commitment aims to enhance domestic recycling capabilities and reduce reliance on exports.

The Scottish Government remains committed to expanding recycling infrastructure and capabilities, ensuring that more waste is managed and processed within Scotland, thereby creating economic opportunities and environmental benefits for our communities.

The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 also includes our commitment to determine new circular economy targets for Scotland to support our work to reduce emissions to tackle the climate emergency.

The overall recycling rate in Scotland of 62.3% in 2022 is at its highest level since records began in 2011. In 2023 the household recycling rate was 43.5%.

Zero Waste Scotland is completing a series of evaluations of projects funded by the RIF. The first annual Evaluation report for projects that were sufficiently mature to provide data for 2023 will be published in June 2025. Subsequent evaluations using data from 2024 and 2025 are planned and should be published in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

Marine litter is a global challenge and we are working both nationally and internationally to share the development of solutions. We are currently focused on the most problematic of litter items including fishing gear, nurdles, and wet wipes containing plastic. Our work is set out in our Marine Litter Strategy Action Plan, and responsibility for its delivery is shared between the Scottish Government and multiple partners, with progress coordinated through a steering group of which the Marine Conservation Society is a valued member. We are also taking action through our National Litter and Fly-Tipping Strategy to reduce land sources of litter which can make their way into our seas.

It takes time for implemented policies and legislation to begin to be reflected in beach litter levels, such as the ban on plastic-stemmed cotton buds from 2019, and the ban on other single-use items including polystyrene food containers from 2022. With more measures and legislation expected in the future; banning wet wipes containing plastic and a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, we expect to see these litter levels reduce.

Drinks related litter on our shores is entirely avoidable, and that is why we remain committed to the delivery of a successful Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use drinks containers. This scheme is expected to increase recycling rates for these containers to at least 90% and reduce litter on our beaches while supporting the growth of a more circular economy.

We are working closely with industry and the other UK government to launch a DRS in October 2027.

The habitat map can be completed by farmers and crofters without the need to employ a third party and should be seen as a first step towards considering the biodiversity present on their holding. There are multiple ways to create the habitat map, and previously submitted Farm Environmental Assessment (FEA) maps can also be accepted if updated. Detailed guidance is available on the Rural Payments website and the Farm Advisory Service (FAS) has created an online guide with advice, videos and Frequently Asked Questions.

Significant investment has already been made to support nature-positive farming. Our £65 million Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) has supported over 230 projects aimed at restoring habitats, wildlife, and climate resilience since 2021. This investment directly contributes to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045, including embedding nature-positive farming, fishing, and forestry.

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme(AECS)remains a priority, with the 2024 round increasing funding by £3.9 million compared to the previous year. AECS is expected to continue until 2026, delivering vital Tier 3 environmental measures, before transitioning to new Elective Support from 2027. Additionally, the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), with a funding allocation of £14 million, has been introduced to support climate-friendly farming, enhance efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability. The development of Enhanced Greening will provide further biodiversity benefits, ensuring farmers and crofters have access to a range of options to contribute to Scotland’s biodiversity goals.

By embedding biodiversity mapping into farming operations, offering simplified processes, and the piloting of innovative tools like NatureScot’s Farm Biodiversity Scotland digital tool, the Scottish Government is creating a strong framework to halt biodiversity decline. These measures, alongside continued investment, collectively empower Scotland’s agricultural sector to meet the 2030 biodiversity targets with confidence, while ensuring agricultural sustainability.