– Mike Pringle MSP
Mr Pringle, the man behind the bid for a plastic carrier bag levy in Scotland (see letsrecycle.com story), hopes his party will include the deposit scheme proposal in its next election manifesto.
Writing in The Scotsman newspaper today, Mr Pringle argued that deposit schemes would provide incentives for people to hand back their old bottles and cans for recycling.
He is proposing that the scheme might involve a 10p or 20p levy on the sale of each bottled or canned product, which would be refunded to shoppers when handed in for recycling.
Mr Pringle said: “Container deposit schemes, as they are known, have proven hugely successful at reducing litter and increasing recycling in countries across the world.”
Value
The Edinburgh South MSP dismissed concerns that the scheme wouldn't work, citing deposit schemes in America, Canada, Denmark, Germany and Sweden as having raised recycling rates and reduced litter.
He said: “By putting a value on bottles, we give people a real incentive to return and recycle. Those who choose not to return their bottles will miss out, but we will all benefit as unclaimed deposits would be used by councils to improve their litter and waste services.”
Mr Pringle suggested that a national deposit scheme in Scotland could involve retailer recycling facilities, reverse-vending machines or alternative collection points.
| Related links: |
“I will be pressing for the policy to be in the next Liberal Democrat manifesto. It's time to go back to the future and use an old idea for a new purpose,” he concluded.
Last month saw Defra minister Ben Bradshaw indicating that a deposit scheme for England would be unlikely, stating that such a system could end up costly billions (see letsrecycle.com story).
Register for free to comment