A deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans has been given a boost after Coca-Cola said that it was dropping its opposition to the idea.
The company had been lobbying against deposits of between 10p and 20p on drink containers but will now support plans for a large-scale trial in Scotland.
Coca-Cola said that it had changed its mind because recycling rates had stalled and there was an urgent need to “look at all options” to persuade consumers to recycle drinks containers.
Only 57 per cent of plastic bottles are recycled in the UK, compared with more than 95 per cent in countries that have deposit schemes, including Germany, Norway and the Netherlands. The Scottish government is considering introducing a deposit scheme after conducting