MP Ged backs store’s bottle deposit scheme
Blantyre’s Family Shopper store says it has become the first independent retailer in Scotland to operate a bottle deposit return scheme.
The shop is owned by Councillor Mo Razzaq who welcomed Ged Killen, MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, to the store last week to see the machine in action and explain the scheme.
It provides an incentive to shoppers to return and recycle used plastic bottles and cans which can be exchanged for instore vouchers or donations to local charities.
Mr Razzaq, who has long championed the return scheme, is participating in the trial at a cost to his business because he says he recognises the positive impact it would bring to the wider community and wants to demonstrate its effectiveness to other small businesses.
Mr Killen said:“it is great to see this fantastic initiative being piloted in such a popular local store.
“It is essential that we are committed to reducing our dependency on single-use plastics, and this machine offers a convenient way for people to recycle locally while also providing an opportunity to save money off their shop or donate to a local cause.
“This would not have happened without the commitment of Mo Razzaq, who is running the trial at a personal cost. I hope to see this scheme rolled out nationally and that other retailers will see the benefit of taking part.”
Mr Razzaq said:“the deposit return scheme is not only going to boost levels of recycling, it can also create an industry which will in turn create jobs.
“It will also help charities and it is hoped, as in the case in my shop, that these can be local charities decided by the retailers and customers.
“Charities would then have the opportunity to run collection campaigns.
“I am delighted to be playing my role in trying to get this scheme rolled out nationally to cut littering and pollution.”