ENVIRONMENTALISTS have slammed the Scottish government’s failure to keep a promise to outlaw the incineration of plastics by 2030.

The SNP-led administration banned new incinerators last year on the recommendation of an independent review into the industry.

But investment in “waste to heat” systems, rather than incineration phase-out, represents a failure to heed the review’s recommendations, according to Friends of the Earth Scotland.

Kim Pratt from the environmental group said: “The failure of the Scottish government to commit to the main recommendations of its own review is a missed opportunity to phase out existing incinerators and end the harmful practice of burning plastics as soon as possible.

“Plastics are fossil fuels, so burning them is directly contributing to climate breakdown.

“Instead of committing to a plan to phase out incinerator, the Scottish government has indicated support for the expansion of high-carbon incinerator-linked heat networks.

“Its trust in carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions from incinerators is misplaced.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Reducing waste and increasing recycling are key to tackling the climate crisis and ensuring we all enjoy a healthy environment. That is why we commissioned an independent review into the role of incineration in Scotland and have accepted its recommendations in full.

"This included the recommendation that no further planning permission for incineration facilities beyond what was already in place should be granted, which was implemented in full.”