We must change nation’s mindset on waste for ever
THE decision by the Scottish Government to develop a deposit return scheme designed to reduce litter and increase recycling represents a significant step-change in our level of ambition.
It follows the Scottish Daily Mail’s campaign for such an initiative, which shone a spotlight on this important issue of widespread public concern.
We want to change the way Scotland thinks about, treats and – often all too easily – throws away valuable resources.
In our economy, we ‘take, make and dispose’ – we take resources from the ground, air and water, make them into products and structures and then dispose of them. This cannot carry on.
In a circular economy, systems are designed to make better use of valuable products and materials – it changes the way they are produced and managed to ensure they have less impact on finite natural resources, and to create greater economic benefit.
But with progress comes change. And to move towards a circular economy, we must alter the way we do things.
The Scottish Government has been working with Zero Waste Scotland to find a solution. Earlier this year we commissioned the agency to investigate how a deposit return system would work. Over the next year, we will build on this and engage widely ahead of roll-out across Scotland.
Deposit return schemes, which exist around the world, involve consumers paying a small deposit that is fully refundable once the empty bottle or can is returned. It is believed this helps reduce litter and increase recycling.
We will ensure the scheme is tailored to Scotland’s specific needs and we will work closely with the business community during its creation and implementation. The question of whether this initiative should extend to small retailers – which have certain difficulties that would need to be overcome – will be addressed as part of this process.
This is a tangible opportunity to change Scotland’s mindset on waste. It is a clear indication of our ambition around disposable items such as drinks containers, which are often used once and thrown away, ending up as litter on our streets and beaches.
Marine litter is particularly challenging, causing environmental, economic and health problems. While this problem is largely caused by materials that degrade slowly – such as polystyrene, metals and glass – the most commonly found rubbish is plastic.
The commitment to a deposit return system is a pledge to help tackle this issue. It sits with my intention to look at other actions – including financial measures – we can take to really challenge mindsets and behaviours.
Not acting harms the environment, and represents a lost economic opportunity for Scotland.
The deposit return scheme should be seen as a part of our wider commitment to a circular economy that will benefit society, business, and the environment.
We want to end the ‘throw-away’ culture and keep products and materials out of landfill and in high-value use for longer.
Not only will a deposit return scheme help keep bottles from becoming litter, it will help increase the quality of material sent to be recycled. This is crucial for ensuring we can turn waste into high-quality products.
Source segregation – put simply, separate waste collection – is key to achieving that. Deposit return is the perfect form of source segregation – it will allow containers to be returned in the best possible condition, with the minimum of contamination, for recycling.
In this way, the scheme will play an important part in Scotland’s transition towards a more circular economy.
Zero Waste Scotland is looking into how a deposit return initiative will operate, the costs and benefits, and how it could operate in Scotland’s unique environment. Proposals will then be part of a public consultation before Ministers come to a final decision.