Recycling for the future

Detailed work on how a potential ‘deposit return scheme’ might operate in Scotland has been commissioned by the Scottish Government.

Deposit return schemes, in existence round the world, see consumers pay a small deposit that is fully refundable once the empty bottle is returned and, it’s believed, can reduce litter and increase recycling. 

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has confirmed Zero Waste Scotland will investigate design options and the associated costs and benefits of how a deposit return scheme could operate in Scotland’s unique environment. Options will then be put to the public for consultation before Ministers come to a final decision on the future of deposit return. 

Zero Waste Scotland has today also published findings from its gathering of evidence, undertaken on the Scottish Government’s behalf,  that show which areas should be further investigated. 

Ms Cunningham said:

“I am grateful to Zero Waste Scotland for its work so far on deposit return and to everyone who provided evidence to help us better understand the benefits of deposit return for recycling and reducing litter, and potential impacts on retailers and local authorities.

“Clearly there are a number of issues for the Scottish Government to consider when it comes to deposit return schemes that can only be addressed by carrying out work to understand the design of a potential system. I have asked Zero Waste Scotland to start this work.

“Progress will be overseen by a steering group involving representatives from the packaging industry, retailers and environmental groups, and followed by a full public consultation to ensure we are as well-informed as possible before any decisions are made.”

Background

The latest work by Zero Waste Scotland gathered evidence around key questions identified by the Scottish Government following its initial investigation of the merits of a deposit system for Scotland. Zero Waste Scotland conducted new analysis on some of these questions, as well as working closely with stakeholders to collect more detailed information. The work published today is focused on these key questions, and is not a comprehensive review of the pros and cons of a deposit system.

Stakeholders from both sides of the debate including drinks companies, retailers, packaging companies and environmental groups will be invited to be members of the steering group.

Zero Waste Scotland is funded to support delivery of the Scottish Government’s circular economy strategy and the EU’s 2020 growth strategy.