A DEPOSIT return scheme for drinks containers in Scotland could potentially deliver benefits of nearly £1 billion over 25 years, analysis suggests.
Between 1.5 billion and 2.5 billion containers could be recycled depending on the design chosen, according to options set out in a new public consultation.
The document states that the resultant economic and societal benefits over 25 years could range between £352 million and £990m.
The Scottish Government is seeking views on the scope of a deposit return scheme to boost recycling and cut litter.
Under such a system customers pay a deposit on top of the price of a product, which is then refunded when the item is recycled at a designated point of return.
Similar schemes are common across Europe, with some countries achieving recycling rates of 95% compared to 50% in Scotland.
Minsters want to hear from the public on issues including what materials the scheme should cover, where containers could be returned, how much the deposit should be and how the scheme should be funded.
A simple option would include just bottles and cans, or the scheme could have a wider scope taking in other materials like glass and disposable cups.
One option is for consumers to be able to return bottles at shops that sells drinks using a reverse vending machine. Alternatively, there could be designated drop-off points at waste disposal sites.
In other parts of Europe the deposit ranges between 8p and 35p, with the higher end of the scale likely to lead to a higher rate of return but also a higher potential for fraud.
The consultation is also seeking views on whether the scheme should be under public ownership, a privately owned commercial operation or an industry operated not-for-profit.
It asks whether deposit return in Scotland should be treated, as in other parts of Europe, as a form of producer responsibility, with the costs of the system transferred to companies who benefit most from selling products.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The consultation sets out that deposit return is not only an effective way of increasing recycling rates and preventing drinks containers from ending up as litter, but it is also an economic opportunity.
“A deposit return scheme will provide a new secure source of high quality material which will create opportunities to develop our recycling infrastructure in Scotland and create jobs.
“This will also improve the availability of recycled material for use in the production of bottles and cans in future.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest to provide their views on how this scheme can meet Scotland’s needs and help us tackle our throwaway culture.”
The Scottish Government is open to co-ordinating with the Westminster Government, which also plans to introduce a deposit return scheme south of the border.
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