Scots to get paid for returning bottles under recycle plans

London, July 27 : Shoppers would get paid for returning empty bottles under radical new Scottish Government plans, aimed at boosting recycling levels.

The ministers will unveil plans to bring back the old system whereby shoppers would be asked to return everything from bottles to cans to the place where they purchased them in a bid to increase rates of recycling.

The ideas form part of a consultation on possible legislation, which hopes to create a "zero waste" society.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said fresh recycling ideas were needed.

Experts believe "deposit and return" schemes could significantly increase levels of recycling.

"In Scotland, we estimate currently around 30-40 percent of glass bottles are recycled and around 35 percent of household plastic bottles are recycled, using bottle banks and kerbside collections, " BBC quoted Lochhead, as saying.

"While these figures are undoubtedly an improvement on where we once were, there is still more we can do.

"A fresh look at deposit and return schemes, including hi-tech 'reverse vending machines' are a real possibility and could double the number of bottles recycled in Scotland. They could also be used for other drinks containers, as well as food tins and aluminium trays from takeaways," Lochhead added.

ANI