Scotland’s new Deposit Return Scheme will include aluminium and steel cans as well as drinks containers made of glass and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic with a 20p deposit as part of plans to combat climate change.
The ambitious scheme is based on successful international equivalents and will be widely accessible, with all shops which sell drinks offering deposit refunds to customers.
The Deposit Return Scheme Implementation Advisory Group is providing industry input and guidance on the scheme’s interaction with consumers, producers, retailers and the hospitality industry, which will be key to its success.
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, and is now the first to outline its design – one that 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 – aluminum 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.”
Jill Farrell, Chief Operating Officer, Zero Waste Scotland, said:
“This will be 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.”
Emma Harper MSP has welcomed a new Deposit Return Scheme announced by the Scottish Government which will include aluminium and steel cans as well as drinks containers made of glass and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic with a 20p deposit as part of plans to combat climate change.
The South Scotland MSP now intends to contact every local convenience store in Dumfries & Galloway to make them aware of the new scheme and to seek feedback on how its implementation could affect their business.
The ambitious scheme is based on successful international equivalents and will be widely accessible, with all shops which sell drinks offering deposit refunds to customers.
The Deposit Return Scheme Implementation Advisory Group will provide industry input and guidance on the scheme’s interaction with consumers, producers, retailers and the hospitality industry, which will be key to its success.
Commenting Emma Harper said:
“The Scottish in Government are taking these steps as part of a wider strategy to tackle the climate change emergency and I’m pleased to see Scotland become the first part of the UK to commit to a deposit return scheme which will help prevent discarded drinks containers from ending up in our streets and seas, giving folk a straightforward way to do their bit for the environment.
“I’m delighted that the Scottish Government have confirmed that it intends 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, and I will be contacting local stores in the Dumfries & Galloway area to understand their views on the scheme.
“From beach cleans and ‘nurdle’ hunts in Kirkcudbrightshire, to litter picks around Dumfries, as well as contacting lorry companies about what they do to support their drivers in optimal management of in-cab drinks cans and food packaging waste, which witnesses have reported to me ends up on our trunk roads, I have worked hard as an MSP to promote the message of protecting our environment, and so I welcome this move by the Scottish Government which I’m sure will be supported by my constituents in South Scotland.”
