- Recycling initiative will help deliver a circular economy
Scotland's deposit return scheme will go live for consumers in
one year’s time (16 August 2023), giving businesses and consumers
an easy way to boost recycling.
The scheme, which will be the first in the UK, will play an
important part in Scotland’s journey to a circular economy.
Estimates by Zero Waste Scotland suggest that the scheme will
reduce emissions by an average of nearly 160,000 tonnes of carbon
dioxide a year - the equivalent of 109,000 return flights from
Edinburgh to New York.
The 20p deposit will also provide an incentive to reduce
littering, helping to cut the number of bottles and cans
discarded in streets and green spaces.
The scheme is being delivered by Circularity Scotland Ltd., an
industry-led body representing drinks producers, retailers and
trade bodies of all sizes. This business-led approach is common
among many of the most successful schemes in Europe, include
Denmark, Finland, and The Netherlands.
Infrastructure for the scheme is now beginning to be rolled out
across Scotland, and businesses of all sizes are being encouraged
to act now to make sure they are ready for the scheme launching
this time next year.
Businesses can register with Circularity Scotland, to make sure
they receive information that will help them prepare.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), who are the
regulator for the scheme, has also launched a campaign that will
help businesses understand their legal responsibilities and the
steps they need to take to prepare.
Circular Economy Minister said:
"Scotland is leading the way in the UK on delivering a circular
economy. By putting in place a deposit return scheme, we are
delivering on the public’s desire to see action on plastic and
other waste, and making an important contribution to the response
to the climate emergency.
“With thousands of return points across the country, it will be
as easy to return your empty bottle or can as it was to buy it in
the first place. This will help to nearly double recycling rates
for the containers included in the scheme, while reducing the
amount of litter on our streets and cutting CO2 emissions.
"This scheme is being delivered by industry for industry. By
putting businesses in charge, we are making sure that it works
for them. With one year to go until the scheme goes live for
consumers, I would encourage all businesses and organisations
that produce, ship or sell drinks to get involved with the scheme
now.”
Background
SEPA has produced a range of information
for regulated businesses
Drinks producers and retailers can register to receive more
information on the Circularity Scotland
website.
