Extract of e-mail sent to Steve Barclay MP
I know you are a busy man these days, but I feel compelled to raise the issue of recycling once more. It has been widely reported that government ministers have signaled that they are against a deposit scheme on Cans/Bottles and Plastic despite evidence it would slash litter and boost recycling rates to near 98%, it being in the region of 57% at present.
©Getty & DM
I quote a recent press article…
A Government insider said it was unlikely to get the go-ahead despite evidence it could slash litter and boost recycling.
Under the scheme a 10p or 20p surcharge would be levied on bottles and cans. Customers get their money back if they return the empties to collection points in stores.
Studies in Europe and elsewhere show that such initiatives can push recycling rates up to 98 per cent. The current UK total is just 57 per cent. Keep Britain Tidy said it was astonishing that the Government was considering ruling out the idea.
However officials working for Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom have not been impressed with a trial deposit scheme in Scotland. A source cited ‘significant uncertainties’ over the evidence, saying the proposal was now ‘unlikely’ but ‘not off the table’.
Willie Mackenzie of Greenpeace said deposit schemes – championed by the Daily Mail – had boosted collection rates of drinks containers in Norway to 96 per cent and in Germany to 98.5 per cent.
Other countries which have adopted the scheme over many years:
Germany Recycling rate 98:5%
Norway 95%
Netherlands 95%
Finland 93%
Denmark 89%
Sweden 85%
Many more countries.
I had a conversation with you many years ago about a deposit scheme for Cans, Bottles and Plastic, you told me there would be too much cost to the government – I disagreed then and I disagree now. For example when the levy for plastic bags was brought in, there is a VAT element and therefor there is a substantial gain to the exchequer – the same could apply to this scheme –
The vast percentage of the public are in favour of it. I sincerely hope you have changed to views on this serious environmental problem. Sorry to take so long…. ,
Maybe a further discussion is needed?
Thanks again and keep up the campaigns …
Regards, Roy …
