Scotland proposes 20p per container scheme for plastic bottles, cans

It would be the first deposit return scheme in the UK for cans, glass, and plastic bottles in a bid to accelerate recycling rates

The government of Scotland is reportedly planning to launch a return scheme for cans and plastic bottles, that includes a 20p return value for the containers, and all the retailers in the country would need to comply and accept returns.

Apparently, it is a proposal to create the first deposit return scheme in the UK for cans, glass, and plastic bottles in a bid to accelerate recycling rates and is being supported by green groups.

Citing reliable sources, environmentalists acclaimed it as a blueprint and asked ministers at Westminster to implement similar measures to help tackle plastic trash and other forms of packaging pollution.

Samantha Harding, Litter Programme Director at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), stated that CRPE will be urging Michael Gove, the environment secretary, to follow Scotland’s ambition by making sure each drinks carton is also included within deposit system in England.

According to environment secretary of Scotland, Roseanna Cunningham, the scheme would be active and running by the end of the existing parliament in 2021 and is aiming to capture 90% of drinks containers to be recycled within three years.

Along with this, Cunningham stated that the scheme would apply to (PET) plastic bottles which are used for water and fizzy drinks, steel or aluminium drinks cans and glass bottles.

Director of Friends of the Earth Scotland, Dr. Richard Dixon said the system would offer a considerable boost for recycling of cans and bottles, cut down litter across Scotland, and save both resources and climate change emissions.

In addition, the head of Conservation Scotland, Calum Duncan, also praised the fact that this scheme includes glass, underlining high amounts of glass found on Scotland’s beaches.  He added that rest of the UK must follow this scheme to ensure that the region has the best systems across these islands to increase recycling and help to lessen the tide of plastic bottles, cans, and glass on shores.

 

Source Credit: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/recycling-scotland-money-return-plastic-bottle-can-a8905546.html