SCOTLAND’S planned deposit return scheme for drinks cans and bottles will help drive sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on a visit to Changeworks Recycling in Edinburgh, yesterday Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said the scheme will increase trade and create jobs, boost recycling rates and cut litter.

The scheme, which places a return value on items of 20p, is expected to be up and running by the end of the current Scottish Parliament in 2021.The anticipated social and economic benefits were published in a report yesterday.

Cunningham said: “Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will not only be an effective way of increasing recycling rates and reducing litter, but also provide a major opportunity to secure a new source of high-quality material, develop our recycling infrastructure and create jobs as part of our ambition to drive the circular economy.”