Could a deposit return system for bottles improve recycling rates?

Yes, according to the Scottish Government who are considering introducing a deposit return system (DRS) for drinks containers.

Some of us are old enough to remember a time when you could turn your old glass bottles into cash by taking them back to retailers in exchange for a few pennies. Now almost completely defunct across the UK, similar systems are used in some countries as a means of improving recycling rates and reducing litter. For example, in Sweden a recycling company which is owned by the drinks companies and brewers adds a deposit to the cost of beverages, which is refunded on return.

A report released in May by Zero Waste Scotland investigates the options for operating a refundable system for drinks containers. The organisation’s research has assessed the pros and cons of operating such a system, gathering evidence from deposit return experts and countries where return systems operate, as well as drinks companies, trade bodies, retailers and logistics companies.

The study models what a Scottish system could look like, based on deposits of 10p to 20p per item, including bottles, cans and cartons.

However, not everyone is in favour of the suggestion, including the Packaging Recycling Group Scotland (PRGS) who believe that kerbside collections are a better solution. They cite the experience of a drinks company who have operated a deposit return scheme for refillable containers for 140 years, saying that they have experienced a significant decrease in returns since 2012 when the Government added glass bottles to kerbside collections.

As a manufacturer of a range of indoor and outdoor recycling bins, Amberol’s MD Patience Atkinson-Gregory has been watching the debate with interest. “We are in favour of any viable initiative to improve recycling rates as this is such a key target for many councils,” she comments. “However, it’s important that any scheme complements the drive to increase on-the-go recycling when people are out and about. Good bin design is crucial in encouraging recycling which is why Amberol’s litter bins all have WRAP approved signage and bottle shaped apertures to maximise usage.”

To see Amberol’s range of litter and recycling bins, just click here.