According to a YouGov survey commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland, 85% of people in Scotland say glass bottles should be included in Scotland’s 20p Deposit Return Scheme.

Under the recycling scheme, people would pay a 20p deposit when buying drinks in a glass or plastic bottle or a metal can. They will get their money back when they return them to be recycled.

“The environmental evidence shows why Scotland is right to include glass in its deposit return scheme from day one” commented Jill Farrell, Chief Operating Officer at Zero Waste Scotland. “People in Scotland want glass to be included in Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme as part of ambitious action to protect our environment. The carbon emissions savings make it clear that they are right. Every bottle recycled rather than sent to landfill means carbon savings. At a time of a climate emergency, this is an unmissable opportunity to cut tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon.”

Mark Hazell, founder of Glasgow-based craft brewery, Jaw Brew added: “Glass bottles are a big part of our business – after all, it's how most people buy our beer. We want to see as much of that glass recycled as possible and the 20p deposit on glass bottles will help make that happen.

“Jaw Brew has always put the environment at the core of what we do so anything that helps make our materials more sustainable is a definite plus for us. I lived in Germany for many years so saw how successful deposit return schemes can be and it’s great that Scotland is set to introduce its own scheme.”