Ideas wanted on bottle recycling
Chance to have a say on how to make this work
Jack thomson
Sport Localcraig.ritchie@Democracytrinitymirror.Reportercom jack.thomson@reachplc.com
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lynsey.gair@reachplc.com kirsteen.brown@trinitymirror.com 0141 309 4312 Two Renfrewshire councillors are urging people to help shape the future of how plastic bottles are recycled.
A deposit return scheme will be introduced in Scotland – a move that will see a small fee placed on top of the cost of a drink at a store.
However, the fee would be refundable providing the drink’s container is returned, incentivising the recycling of plastic bottles.
Paisley Northwest Councillor Kenny MacLaren said the scheme “would offer the chance to embed a step-change in recycling performance.”
He noted the success of the project elsewhere, addding: “Other systems in Europe are achieving capture rates of up to 95 per cent for target materials, compared with around 50 per cent in Scotland at present.”
There are different interpretations of the scheme in operation around the world.
In some countries, bottles and cans are taken back to shops, while others are taken to dedicated drop-off points.
Reverse vending machines also exist, where a bottle is inserted and money is returned.
Councillor MacLaren believes recycling plastic is a prominent issue in Renfrewshire.
He added: “Too many plastic bottles and coffee cups are cluttering up our streets as people irresponsibly litter in our local communities.
“A deposit return scheme – where returning such items to local stores and receive some form of payment or discount on their shopping – will encourage more recycling.”
A consultation on the options for distinct elements of a the scheme has opened to the public.
The Scottish Government has said it wants to design a scheme “that will work well for everyone” and provide “increased recycling rates and quality of recycling, reductions in littering and business opportunities.”
Paisley Southwest Councillor Stephen Burns said: “I have already moved a motion at the council to look at the issue of plastic straws and the harm they cause to the environment, so I am keen to see how we could tackle the issue of single use drinks containers.
“I would encourage everyone who is interested in our environment to get involved in this consultation.
“The more responses the Scottish Government receives will help them design a system which people will use.”
The consultation closes on September 25 and you can find out more online at https://bit.ly/2KgPLra