Public support for Scotland’s deposit return scheme (DRS), which is due to start on 16 August, has been revealed by new research.
A new poll, conducted by The Diffley Partnership on behalf of TOMRA, reveals that 70% of respondents support scheme, more than 80% say they will use it, and the biggest driver of use is to prevent environmental damage.
The polling also reveals that:
- 72% think DRS should be introduced across the UK and 65% are pleased that Scotland is to be the first UK nation to introduce it.
- The biggest driver encouraging people to use the scheme is to prevent damage to the natural environment and animals (53%), followed by the opportunity to recycle conveniently (43%).
- Support for the DRS is highest among young people, with 76% of people aged 16-34-years-old supporting it, though support remains at over 60% for all age groups.
Mark Diffley, Director and Founder of The Diffley Partnership, said: “The data in this polling is clear and unambiguous, showing strong public support for the DRS among all sections of the population.
“There appears to be a strong correlation between environmental concerns and support for DRS, with support for the scheme being particularly high among those who are most concerned about climate change, and who are motivated to using the scheme by a desire to stop damage to the environment.”
John Lee, Vice-President for Public Affairs UK and Ireland at TOMRA, added: “As part of our work we were keen to understand public opinion on the ground in Scotland, and the data gathered by The Diffley Partnership is extremely useful in helping us to understand that.
“International evidence suggests that DRS could reduce litter by a third, thereby increasing Scotland’s chances of meeting our climate change targets, and TOMRA’s experience across Europe suggests that the recycling return rate will be anywhere between 92% and 98%.”
