Revealed... how 20p on bottles could hand cash boost to charity

CHARITIES could secure a donations windfall under proposals for a deposit return scheme being considered by ministers.

The Scottish Government last month launched a public consultation on its plans for a ‘deposit’ of up to 20p to be added to all bottles and cans, which would then be paid to the customer when empty containers are returned.

At a series of events hosted by the Zero Waste Scotland quango, members of the public are being asked for their views on donating their deposit to charities.

It is estimated that the 5p charge on plastic carrier bags has raised £7million a year for charities since it was introduced in 2014.

A consultation document published by the Scottish Government states: ‘Customers may prefer donating their deposits rather than have them returned.’

Under one proposal, ‘reverse vending machines’ which collect empty containers and pay out deposits, would have an option to donate the cash to registered charities. Another option is to have donation points, where people can take empty containers.

Detailed designs for four possible deposit return systems were published by the Scottish Government last month.

It followed a campaign by the Scottish Daily Mail which urged ministers to ‘banish the bottles’ by introducing a system to tackle the scourge of discarded plastic.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: ‘A deposit return scheme will provide a new, secure source of high quality material which will create opportunities to develop our recycling infrastructure and create jobs.

‘This will also improve the availability of material for use in the production of bottles and cans.’

She added: ‘Everyone with an interest should provide their views on how this scheme can tackle our throwaway culture.’

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: ‘People will make this a success – for our environment and economy.

‘The Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland have committed to designing the best possible deposit return scheme. We want it to work for everyone – and that’s why we are calling on as many people as possible.’

The final system could be up and running by the end of next year or early 2020.

When ideas for a deposit return scheme were published, ministers said a 20p charge on bottles, cans, cartons and some cups, refundable at drop-off centres or 2,000 points in larger stores, could achieve 70 per cent recycling.

They added that a 10p deposit on bottles and cans could encourage four in every five empties to be returned.