New Consumer Scotland research has highlighted the priorities for action to support consumer participation in the Scottish Government’s Deposit Return Scheme.
Launching in October next year, the scheme will require consumers to pay a 20p refundable deposit on single-use plastic, aluminium and steel drink containers with an aim of increasing recycling rates to 90% and reducing litter.
A survey of 1,007 people in Scotland by Consumer Scotland found two thirds of consumers would frequently return plastic bottles and cans if a 20p deposit were applied to containers. More than a third say they would always return these items.
However, the research also found that consumers’ ability and willingness to engage with a scheme will depend on how easy and straightforward it is for them to do so.
Consumer Scotland has made a number of recommendations to support the scheme’s success including:
Making it quick and easy for consumers to return materials
Enabling people to integrate returning containers into their everyday routines
Providing certainty for consumers about the scheme rules, such as where and how to return containers and what materials are included
The Deposit Return Scheme is part of a wider drive to help Scotland transition to a circular economy where consumers reuse and recycle materials in ways that fit easily into their everyday lives.
Current levels of recycling are not enough to meet national ambitions, and Scotland continues to consume more than double the sustainable level of material use required for a high quality of life.
Director of Policy and Advocacy Douglas White said:
“Consumers in Scotland are positive about their intention to take part in the deposit return scheme, but they are also clear the scheme must be designed with their needs and priorities in mind.
“This means the design of the scheme must make access as convenient as possible for people and ensure that information for consumers is clear and consistent.
“If returning containers requires additional time or effort, or it is not clear what consumers need to do to participate, then this will deter people from taking part.
“Therefore, when implementing the scheme, the Scottish Government must engage with Exchange for Change to ensure that it reflects the needs and priorities of consumers.”
The research found that if the practical demands of returning containers are high, then certain groups, including older adults, people with limiting long-term health conditions, and those with fewer transport options are those who are most likely to face barriers and are less likely to engage.
Background
Circular economy behaviours in Scotland: Recycling, repair and disposal
The body that has been appointed to operate the deposit return scheme scheme for Scotland, England and Northern Ireland is Exchange for Change.