The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
Introduction
The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 (the Act) was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 29 June 2024. The Act is a landmark piece of legislation that will help Scotland to transition to a circular economy, where resources are used sustainably and waste is minimised.
The Commencement Regulations 2025 bring the majority of the provisions of the Act into force on 1 April 2025. This includes provisions on:
- Waste prevention and management
- Product design and ecodesign
- Resource efficiency
- Circular economy business models
- Public procurement
Key Provisions of the Regulations
The Commencement Regulations 2025 bring into force the following key provisions of the Act:
- Waste prevention and management: The Regulations introduce a new waste prevention programme, which will require businesses and organisations to take steps to reduce the amount of waste they produce. The Regulations also introduce a new waste management hierarchy, which will prioritise waste prevention, reuse, and recycling over disposal.
- Product design and ecodesign: The Regulations introduce new requirements for businesses to design products in a way that makes them more sustainable. This includes requirements for products to be durable, repairable, and recyclable.
- Resource efficiency: The Regulations introduce new requirements for businesses and organisations to improve their resource efficiency. This includes requirements for businesses to measure their resource use and to develop plans to reduce their use of resources.
- Circular economy business models: The Regulations introduce new support for businesses to develop and implement circular economy business models. This includes support for businesses to develop new products and services, and to find new ways to use waste materials.
- Public procurement: The Regulations introduce new requirements for public bodies to consider the circular economy when procuring goods and services. This includes requirements for public bodies to give preference to products and services that are sustainable and that support the circular economy.
Impact of the Regulations
The Commencement Regulations 2025 will have a significant impact on businesses and organisations in Scotland. Businesses will need to take steps to comply with the new requirements on waste prevention, product design, resource efficiency, and circular economy business models. Public bodies will also need to consider the circular economy when procuring goods and services.
The Regulations are expected to have a number of benefits for Scotland, including:
- Reduced waste and pollution
- Increased resource efficiency
- Job creation
- Economic growth
Conclusion
The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025 are a significant step towards Scotland’s transition to a circular economy. The Regulations will help to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and create jobs.
Businesses and organisations should take steps to prepare for the implementation of the Regulations on 1 April 2025. Public bodies should also consider the circular economy when procuring goods and services.
The transition to a circular economy is essential for Scotland’s future. The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 and the Commencement Regulations 2025 will help Scotland to make this transition and to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
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