Further research is to be undertaken by Zero Waste Scotland to investigate the possibility of introducing a deposit return scheme in the country. At the request of Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, the organisation will look deeper into challenges raised in the first study into a scheme by Zero Waste Scotland, especially on the costs for retailers and implications for small stores. Richard Lochhead said: “Like carrier bag charging, deposit return schemes attach a value to items that can otherwise be viewed as waste, and have proven successful in other countries at reducing litter and increasing recycling. “The evidence gathered by Zero Waste Scotland highlights some of the potential benefits and concerns associated with a deposit return scheme for Scotland. I am listening closely as I consider whether such a scheme – which has worked successfully in other countries – would be right for Scotland." “
