Bottle deposit scheme under consideration
Work to explore the design of a deposit return scheme for bottles and cans has been commissioned by the Scottish Government.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced that Zero Waste Scotland would investigate the possible design, cost and benefits of a deposit return system.
A public consultation on the options will be held before any decision is made.
Under such schemes, shoppers would pay a deposit when buying products in cans and plastic or glass bottles, with the money refunded when they return the empty containers.
Campaigners have been urging ministers to introduce the measure in Scotland to help cut waste and increase recycling. Ms Cunningham said: “I am grateful to Zero Waste Scotland for its work so far on deposit return and to everyone who provided evidence to help us better understand the benefits of deposit return for recycling and reducing litter, and potential impacts on retailers and local authorities.”