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Deposit return scheme 'could increase plastic waste' Deposit return scheme 'could increase plastic waste'
(about 8 hours later)
MSPs will be told a deposit return scheme for drinking containers could unintentionally increase plastic waste.MSPs will be told a deposit return scheme for drinking containers could unintentionally increase plastic waste.
In May the Scottish government announced a deposit of 20p would be added to some plastic drinking containers, cans and glass.In May the Scottish government announced a deposit of 20p would be added to some plastic drinking containers, cans and glass.
Aluminium packaging recycling body Alupro argues the flat rate levy could have "unintended consequences".Aluminium packaging recycling body Alupro argues the flat rate levy could have "unintended consequences".
The Scottish government said a flat rate had the advantage of simplicity which could boost uptake of the scheme.The Scottish government said a flat rate had the advantage of simplicity which could boost uptake of the scheme.
In May Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham told MSPs at Holyrood that a "return to retail" model would be adopted as part of the government's climate action plan.In May Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham told MSPs at Holyrood that a "return to retail" model would be adopted as part of the government's climate action plan.
Consumers will be able to recoup any deposit they pay by taking their empty containers to a designated collection point.Consumers will be able to recoup any deposit they pay by taking their empty containers to a designated collection point.
But Alupro will tell MSPs on Holyrood's environment committee that a flat rate levy regardless of container size will make multipacks of cans significantly more expensive But Alupro will tell MSPs on Holyrood's environment committee that a flat rate levy regardless of container size will make multipacks of cans significantly more expensive.
It claims many consumers faced with a £4.80 charge for a 24-can pack of soft drinks will instead switch to buying four two-litre bottles. It claims many consumers faced with a £4.80 charge for a 24-can pack of soft drinks will instead switch to buying four two-litre bottles.
This option would contain almost the same amount of liquid but only carry a deposit of 80p.This option would contain almost the same amount of liquid but only carry a deposit of 80p.
'Influence purchasing habits''Influence purchasing habits'
Alupro executive director Rick Hindley, said: "The majority of consumers buy multipacks, and these will become twice as expensive as the equivalent volume in plastic if a deposit return scheme is introduced with the same deposit fee.Alupro executive director Rick Hindley, said: "The majority of consumers buy multipacks, and these will become twice as expensive as the equivalent volume in plastic if a deposit return scheme is introduced with the same deposit fee.
"This would be a significant upfront cost for household budgets and, as our survey has confirmed, it will influence purchasing habits.""This would be a significant upfront cost for household budgets and, as our survey has confirmed, it will influence purchasing habits."
Research commissioned by Alupro indicates that an "all-in" deposit measure covering containers of all materials and sizes would, if introduced across the whole of the UK, result in an extra 823 million plastic bottles being produced.Research commissioned by Alupro indicates that an "all-in" deposit measure covering containers of all materials and sizes would, if introduced across the whole of the UK, result in an extra 823 million plastic bottles being produced.
Instead Alupro is advocating a variable deposit fee based on the size of the container.Instead Alupro is advocating a variable deposit fee based on the size of the container.
Scottish Conservative environment spokesman Maurice Golden said: "It is concerning that a flat deposit fee could lead to a dramatic increase in the amount of plastic being purchased and a decline in the use of aluminium.Scottish Conservative environment spokesman Maurice Golden said: "It is concerning that a flat deposit fee could lead to a dramatic increase in the amount of plastic being purchased and a decline in the use of aluminium.
"We must ensure that the deposit return scheme is well designed and does not discriminate against one material over another.""We must ensure that the deposit return scheme is well designed and does not discriminate against one material over another."
Others recycling and environmental groups, however, have backed the "all-in" model being proposed, saying that charging a lower levy for smaller drinks cans would be less effective. Other recycling and environmental groups, however, have backed the "all-in" model being proposed, saying that charging a lower levy for smaller drinks cans would be less effective.
About 40 countries worldwide - including Germany and Sweden - operate deposit return schemes.About 40 countries worldwide - including Germany and Sweden - operate deposit return schemes.
The Scottish government said there was little international evidence to support Alupro's concerns.The Scottish government said there was little international evidence to support Alupro's concerns.
A spokesperson said: "A flat deposit keeps the system simple for consumers and our deposit rate is set to provide a strong incentive to return a wide range of containers.A spokesperson said: "A flat deposit keeps the system simple for consumers and our deposit rate is set to provide a strong incentive to return a wide range of containers.
"There is limited international evidence to suggest that consumer purchasing habits are likely to change significantly due to deposit return, and we are targeting a high return rate to minimise any potential effect."There is limited international evidence to suggest that consumer purchasing habits are likely to change significantly due to deposit return, and we are targeting a high return rate to minimise any potential effect.
"We are committed to continuing to work with industry to implement the scheme in the best way possible.""We are committed to continuing to work with industry to implement the scheme in the best way possible."
The scheme is due to launch in Scotland in 2021, although in August experts cast doubt on that timetable.The scheme is due to launch in Scotland in 2021, although in August experts cast doubt on that timetable.
How will the scheme work and how will I get my deposit back?How will the scheme work and how will I get my deposit back?
The 20p deposit will, in effect, be added to the price of a single-use drinks container bought from a shop. The 20p deposit will, in effect, be added to the price of a single-use drinks container bought from a shop.
The consumer will get their deposit back when they return the empty bottle or can to the retailer.The consumer will get their deposit back when they return the empty bottle or can to the retailer.
All types of drinks and all containers above 50ml and up to three litres in size are included.All types of drinks and all containers above 50ml and up to three litres in size are included.
Businesses selling drinks which are opened and consumed on site - such as pubs and restaurants - will not have to charge the deposit to the public.Businesses selling drinks which are opened and consumed on site - such as pubs and restaurants - will not have to charge the deposit to the public.
There will be two ways you can return your empty container - over the counter, or by using a reverse vending machine (RVM).There will be two ways you can return your empty container - over the counter, or by using a reverse vending machine (RVM).
An RVM is a machine that scans containers when they are returned and then refunds your deposit.An RVM is a machine that scans containers when they are returned and then refunds your deposit.
The government says there will be a range of ways you can get your 20p back, for example cash at a till, a token or discount voucher or digitally. The returned containers are stored in the machine and are then collected for recycling.The government says there will be a range of ways you can get your 20p back, for example cash at a till, a token or discount voucher or digitally. The returned containers are stored in the machine and are then collected for recycling.
As well as retailers and hospitality businesses, schools and other community hubs will be able to act as return locations.As well as retailers and hospitality businesses, schools and other community hubs will be able to act as return locations.