Scotland will be introducing a deposit return scheme on drinking bottles and cans in an effort to reduce waste and increase recycling.

Of course the idea is not new. Many older readers will remember the deposit return scheme on glass bottles which was a great way of getting them returned and many children earning a few bob in the process.

The proposed scheme from the Scottish Government will take in bottles of glass and plastic and also aluminium/steel cans.

Customers will pay 20p more when they buy their bottle/can which they will get back when the empty container is returned.

Roseanna Cunningham, Environment Secretary in the Scottish Government said:

“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.”

The initiative comes after public consultation and research into how similar schemes work in other countries.

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.”

The Scottish Government also announced this week its intention to scrap plans for a reduction in Air Tax. Environmentalists Welcome Air Tax Decision by Scottish Government

A Climate Change Bill is also progressing through the Scottish Parliament. It is now at committee stage (2) having passed stage 1 on 2nd of April 2019.

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill

A Bill for an Act of the Scottish Parliament to amend the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to make provision setting targets for the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions and to make provision about advice, plans and reports in relation to those targets.

Stage 2 is when a Bill is examined in detail, evidence taken and amendments put forward.

Reporter: Fiona Grahame