On Tue, Feb 28, 2023 at 6:04 PM Simon Nicholson <simonjnicholson81@gmail.com> wrote:

I hear there is total disarray with the proposed implementation of legislation from the Scottish govt in the attempt to launch a 20p deposit on plastic bottles produced in Scotland in isolation.

The ill thought out idea took no consideration of deposit bottles exported to England etc. and a political wag stated it would create a convoy of skip waggons causing traffic jams heading north to claim their deposits!

Unless it is launched in co-operation with the rest of the mainland at minimum it becomes unrealistic and unattainable.

All the good ideas but no real thinking.......One day!

Regards

Simon

Anne Thomas anne.katherine.thomas@gmail.com via groups.io 28 Feb 2023, 19:35 (2 days ago)to UKWIN

That's nonsense. Of course that was considered. Bar codes for each bottle so only bottles with a deposit can be returned and get the 20p back.

You've completely swallowed the right wing media's attempt to scupper it so the Tories can get the credit for launching it next year rather than the Scottish Government being pioneers like they were with the plastic bag levy. 

Just released this. 

Deposit Return Scheme is vital step on journey to a cleaner and greener future 

Highlands and Islands Greens are very much looking forward to the launch of Scotland’s deposit Return Scheme which will be a vital step on our journey to a cleaner, greener future, say the Scottish Greens. 

"I'm looking forward to spotting the first reverse vending machine and hoping there will be a lot less litter to collect and we will stop the terrible waste of so many resources" says Co-convenor, Anne Thomas.  

Speaking on the Sunday Show this morning, the Scottish Greens co-leader, Lorna Slater MSP, who is overseeing the launch of the Scheme, said: “This scheme is so important for how we reach net zero in Scotland. It is so important for how we clean up our parks and get broken glass off our streets. I know businesses are committed to making it work, as am I.” 

The scheme will go live on August 16th. 

The Scottish Greens environment spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP said: "All of us have seen how cans, bottles and glass are blighting our coasts, streets and communities. That is why the scheme is so vital. 

“Any suggestion of a halt or delay to the deposit return scheme would be totally reckless and irresponsible. "All over Scotland there are people and businesses preparing for the launch of the scheme. They have already invested hundreds of millions of pounds in getting the infrastructure ready for it to go live in August. 

"Automatic return machines are already being installed by retailers across the country and the scheme is creating over 500 green jobs, with recruitment already well underway. "

Dropping or even delaying the scheme now wouldn’t just be bad for the planet – it would undermine all of this investment, and it would destroy jobs. 

"This is a robust scheme that has been designed with industry and is based on successful models around the world. It will be the first of its kind in the UK. It will be a vital step on our journey to a cleaner and greener future.” 

Anne ThomasDrumsmittal ParkDrumsmittalNorth Kessock IV1 3XF@AnneTho39135248 0146373130307775583749https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-Thomas/356725474379032   

Simon Nicholson simonjnicholson81@gmail.com via groups.io 14:31 (6 hours ago)to UKWIN

Thank you for your informed response Alison.

I am just an observer in this case and I'm basing my comments on all round observations from the standpoint of neutrality.

I am with the Scottish Greens in their support of the scheme.However human error will send depositted bottles south of the border but the deposit cannot be charged, leaving a financial loophole for a canny business to make money by transporting back across the border for profit.

The further south the larger the carbon footprint which negates the net carbon zero ethic it is trying to support.

It does make sense to launch the scheme in a more co-ordinated way as indicated by some members of all parties whatever colour they represent. 

At the end of the day we all want the same outcome but, as they say "decide in haste, repent at leisure".

A little more commonsense and consultation across all borders whether geographic or political will get a more workable and sustainable outcome long-term.

Alison eap19014@gmail.com via groups.io 1 Mar 2023, 08:17 (1 day ago)to UKWIN

Scotland is ready....  this was debated in the HoL last week.  The following link provides an insight into the debate. Scotland: Bottle Deposit Return Scheme - Hansard - UK Parliament

Alison eap19014@gmail.com via groups.io 1 Mar 2023, 08:56 (1 day ago)to UKWIN

Waste is a devolved matter and therefore Scotland is progressing (leading) with this initiative.  Do we know if bottles included within Scotland's 'returning of bottles' initiative are regarded as other than waste?  Personally, I believe they sit within the waste hierarchy - therefore why is Westminster interfering with a clearly defined devolved matter? This subject was debated in the House of Lords last week - it's worth a quick read  Scotland: Bottle Deposit Return Scheme - Hansard - UK Parliament

Kim Pratt (FoES) via groups.io 08:44 (12 hours ago)to UKWIN

There is a lot of hyperbole about Scotland's deposit return scheme in the news right now and very few facts. Yesterday, the Scottish Government announced that 90% of the products which fall under the scheme have now been registered by their producers - a strong indication that business, as well as Government is ready and invested in this happening in August. To delay now would cost more - both to the economy and the environment.

It's good news that Wales and England will be launching similar deposit return schemes in the future but Westminster should not be seeking to slow down environmental progress in devolved nations. The largest producers are well practiced at managing varying deposit return schemes across borders. These schemes regularly see recycling rates of 90%. 

Deposit return schemes are an example of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes - this is based on the idea that the companies which decide to put polluting products on our shelves should pay for the clean up costs. This is how the circular economy will be funded. 

Ann Hood via groups.io <anniehood67=yahoo.co.uk@groups.io>09:17 (11 hours ago)to UKWIN

I personally think this is a good idea, not a new idea but a good one. In any new schemes there will be hiccups/problems that will need sorted but to me this is how we as a country learn. X