Albion Environmental recently commented on the potential consequences of the Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland in response to this recent article from LetsRecycle.
This article notes that Falkirk Council are due to stop kerbside glass collections when the DRS is introduced. Could this be one of the unintended consequences of DRS? In principle DRS is great because of the volume of recyclable bottles that still end up in the residual waste bin at the kerbside or litter on our streets is still too high. Various other countries like Germany and the Netherlands already have DRS provision for single-use plastic bottles and reusable beer bottles, with the latter now also introducing a DRS for aluminium cans at the end of this month. Research has indicated that over 70% of Scots are positive towards DRS, which is going to be essential to make it work. With recent amendments to the scheme for small business being formalised and the introduction of the DRS in Scotland now very much looking to go ahead next summer, Councils may need to look for other income streams.. or savings, as one of the side effects of DRS might be creating a greater awareness of recycling amongst residents, and less recyclate (and revenue) for councils to collect!
What do you think?