Capital takes lead in deposit scheme
A RADICAL scheme to help tackle the scourge of bottles littering streets and beaches will be trialled in Edinburgh under plans proposed by the SNP.
In a major victory for the Scottish Daily Mail’s Banish The Bottles campaign, the party has outlined a deposit return pilot programme.
The Scottish capital would be the first part of the UK to press ahead with the initiative, which would mean up to 10p is added to the price of a plastic or glass bottle, which would then be refunded if the empty container is returned to a collection point.
If the pilot successfully reduces litter and boosts recycling rates, it could encourage SNP ministers to roll out the scheme nationally.
In its manifesto for the local elections, SNP Edinburgh states that the trial could result in an increase in the number of containers being recycled and reused.
The party – in power in the capital in a coalition with Labour – states in its manifesto: ‘We will promote reuse and recycle schemes. We will pilot bottle, coffee cup and other deposit schemes. We will work with the Scottish Government to expand reuse in Edinburgh’s economy.’
Nationalist MSP and former environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: ‘There is a lot of support within the SNP for a deposit return scheme.
‘There is the potential for Scotland’s capital city to help lead the way with the introduction of a bottle deposit return scheme and it applies yet more momentum to the campaign that the Scottish Daily Mail and others have led. Hopefully Scottish ministers will likewise take a decision on this soon and lead the UK in introducing such a scheme.
‘The fact there is a possibility of our capital city kicking things off is a big boost to the campaign.’
The Mail revealed earlier this week that a majority of MSPs had signed a motion supporting the principle of a ‘well-designed’ deposit return scheme.
Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens have backed the initiative, while the Tories have dropped their previous opposition and are now considering their position.
The SNP manifesto for last year’s Holyrood elections said a deposit return scheme could ‘increase the amount of high quality material being brought forward for recycling and help reduce litter’.
The sub-group of Holyrood’s environment committee is carrying out an inquiry into the idea and is due to publish its conclusions this year. Ministers will then decide whether to press ahead.
John Mayhew, director of the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, which is running the Have You Got The Bottle? campaign, said: ‘It’s starting to feel like the question is not if the Scottish Government will back deposits, but when.’
The campaign has support from the world’s biggest drinks firm, Coca-Cola, plus sector groups, businesses and individuals.
Comment – Page 16