Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur has welcomed new developments of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme, with ambitious design now taking shape.
A statement on 8 May confirmed that 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 – the most common form of plastic packaging – with a 20p deposit.
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.
Scotland was the first part of the UK to commit to a deposit return scheme as part of wider efforts to prevent pollution from discarded drinks containers, and is now the first to outline its design.
Commenting, Tom Arthur MSP said:
“With the First Minister declaring a climate emergency last week, it is clear that fundamental changes to our everyday behaviour are necessary if we are to achieve the ambitious climate targets.
“The introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme will be a perfect example of this required action. The scheme will help increase recycling rates and reduce litter and will give everyone a clear and straightforward way to do their bit for the environment.
“It’s great to see plans for the scheme gathering pace and I look forward to engaging constructively with businesses in Renfrewshire South as development continues.”
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham 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.
“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.”