Scotland to join other nations in bottle deposit scheme
Scotland is set to run a drinks can and bottle return scheme with a 20p deposit in order to combat climate change.
The scheme is already successfully implemented in several countries and cities.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:
“Scotland was the first part of the UK to commit to a deposit-return scheme as part of our wider efforts to prevent discarded drinks containers from ending up in our streets and seas.”
She announced that the project “is ambitious in scale and scope, and which gives the people of Scotland a clear and straightforward way to do their bit for the environment.
“There is a global climate emergency and people across Scotland have been calling, rightly, for more ambition to tackle it and safeguard our planet for future generations.
“I am therefore delighted to confirm that I intend to implement a system covering PET – the most common form of plastic packaging – aluminium and steel cans, and glass, with a deposit refund set at 20p.”
“Supported by international evidence our plans for Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme are gathering pace with widespread consensus demonstrating that a well-run, appropriately-targeted scheme could improve the environment, change attitudes to recycling and litter, and support a more circular economy.”
Countries such as Denmark have been running similar schemes for years.
Many countries with the scheme implemented see return and recycling rates over 80%.
Jill Farrell, Chief Operating Officer, Zero Waste Scotland, described it as “a game-changer for recycling and the circular economy in Scotland.
“By giving people an extra incentive to do something good for our environment, and having a consistent approach across Scotland, we are confident it will be easier for all of us to do the right thing.
“This will improve the volume and quality of recycling and help tackle litter in the process.
“With a huge network of places to return your bottles and cans, it will be just as easy to return a drink as it is to buy one in the first place.
“I’m proud of Zero Waste Scotland’s role in advising the Scottish Government on this design, which has resulted in a blueprint for a world-class scheme.”
