Zero Waste Scotland is to tour Scotland’s island communities with a series of events to provide an overview of the new deposit return scheme (DRS) and give drinks producers, retailers, hospitality businesses, community representatives and other interested parties the chance to learn more about the initiative.
Under the scheme, people will pay a 20p deposit when buying drinks purchased in single-use plastic or glass bottles and aluminium or steel cans. People will get their money back when they return their empty container for recycling.
The draft regulations laid before the Scottish Parliament in September include a target of capturing 90% of all scheme containers. ZWS says that achieving this means “making the scheme accessible and practical for everyone in Scotland”.
In addition to this series of engagement events, the Scottish Government will complete an Islands Impact Assessment to ensure that any “significant unique impacts on island communities are captured and mitigated against”.
Jill Farrell, chief operating officer at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “We want to make sure that Scotland’s deposit return scheme works for the whole of Scotland. That’s why we are going to be speaking with businesses and stakeholders in every island local authority in Scotland.
“From reducing litter to cutting Scotland’s CO2 emissions, this scheme will deliver fantastic environmental benefits, which islanders will benefit from. Making that happen requires the involvement of the whole country and the scheme needs to be accessible and practical for every community.
“Delivering the scheme on Scotland’s islands will require a different approach to that in Scotland’s cities so we want to talk with businesses and stakeholders across the islands to make sure their views and needs are captured and addressed.
“From logistics and transport, to cash flow and tourism, we look forward to discussing how we can work together to deliver a world-class scheme.”
The events scheduled are:
- The Machrie Hotel, Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll & Bute: Tuesday, October 22.
- The Orkney Hotel, Kirkwall, Orkney: Thursday, October 24.
- Auchrannie Resort, Brodick, Arran, North Ayrshire: Friday, October 25.
- Victoria Hotel, Rothesay, Bute, Argyll & Bute: Monday, October 28.
- Caladh Inn, Stornoway, Lewis, Eilean Siar: Wednesday, October 30.
- Aros, Portree, Skye, Highland: Friday, November 1.
- Shetland Museum & Archives, Lerwick, Shetland: Friday, November 8.
All events will take place from 10am to 1pm except for the Isle of Arran event which will run from 12pm to 3pm. Click here to register via Eventbrite for one of the Island Engagement Events listed above. A webinar will be hosted by Zero Waste Scotland following the events.