For immediate release:

CLARE HAUGHEY MSP CALLS ON CONSTITUENTS TO HAVE SAY ON BOTTLE DEPOSIT RETURN PLANS

SNP MSP Clare Haughey has called on people across Rutherglen and Cambuslang to get involved with the latest series of events to gather views on the proposed bottle deposit return scheme.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on the scope of a deposit return scheme, to boost recycling and cut plastic waste – with the proposal being that customers would pay a deposit when they purchase a product, which would be refunded when the item is recycled. The scheme already operates in many other parts of Europe.

Zero Waste Scotland is now hosting a series of events across the country, including in Glasgow city centre, to give people across Scotland the chance to put forward their views on the scheme.

Commenting, Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said:

“A deposit return scheme has huge potential to help us meet our recycling goals, as well as tackling the scourge of plastic litter and waste on our landscape. The issue of plastic pollution, particularly in our water, has become well known in recent months, as the impact of the problem was brought to light by Blue Planet last year.

“And it is of course an issue that affects us right here in my Rutherglen constituency – and the deposit return scheme can make a real difference.

“Zero Waste Scotland’s events across the country give us all a chance to give our views on the scheme, how it could work and how it can be implemented. I encourage my constituents to attend the event at St Enoch Centre in Glasgow on the 22nd August to either learn more about the scheme or to share their own views of it.

“We all have a stake in protecting and preserving our planet – and the bottle deposit return scheme is one small step we can take in the fight against plastic pollution.”

ENDS

Notes:

Zero Waste Scotland events currently scheduled:

25th July, Deep Sea World, North Queensferry
27-29 July, ButeFest, Isle of Bute
1st August, Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick
11th August, European Open Water Swimming Championships, Balloch
12th August, Aviemore Triathlon, Aviemore
22nd August, St Enoch Centre, Glasgow
25th August, Peebles Market
31st August, Dundee Food and Flower Show
1-2 September, Edinburgh Mela
5th September, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness
14-16 September, Perth Food and Drink Festival

Date published: 25th July 2018