Islanders have final say on recycling scheme

Island residents and businesses are being invited to an online consultation to offer ideas for a new scheme to boost recycling.

Zero Waste Scotland is hosting a webinar on November 25 from 11am to 12.30pm, to give people a chance to learn more about Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme, and to share their views on how it will work on Scotland’s islands.

The online session follows events held on Skye, the Hebrides, western and northern isles earlier this month.

Under the scheme, people will pay a 20p deposit when buying drinks in plastic or glass bottles and aluminium or steel cans. They will then get their money back when returning empty containers.

The scheme will deliver fantastic environmental benefits by cutting CO2 emissions and reducing waste, according to Jill Farrell, chief operating officer for Zero Waste Scotland.

She said: ‘We want to make sure those benefits are felt across the whole country and that the scheme works in every community.

‘This is your chance to help ensure Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme works for the whole of Scotland. We want to hear from residents, businesses and community groups so that we can benefit from their insight into how this scheme can be made a success on Scotland’s islands.

‘From logistics and transport, to cash flow and tourism, Scotland’s islands will have different needs to the rest of the country. We are looking forward to discussing how we can work together to make sure Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme delivers for everyone.’

Zero Waste Scotland is especially keen to hear from islands-based drinks producers, retailers, hospitality businesses, and other key stakeholders, such as transport businesses and community organisations.

Questions and views from the consultations will feed into the Scottish Government’s Islands Impact Assessment which ensures any significant impacts for islanders is mitigated against.

To sign up, visit depositreturnscheme.zerowastescotland.org.uk/ live-webinar-scotIslands

Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing drsevents@zerowastescotland.org. uk