Recycling scheme could see Portsmouth residents rewarded for returning plastic and glass

A deposit return scheme, which has proved 'successful' in other countries, could make its way to the city as part of an environment bill which will be passed by government at a future date.

If implemented the system would see shoppers charged an extra cost when buying items such as plastic bottles, glass and tins. This cost would then be refunded when the item is returned to either the shop or an allocated bin to be recycled.

Portsmouth City Council's environment boss, Councillor Dave Ashmore, welcomed the idea, which was detailed as part of a recent council report.

He said: 'Other countries already have it up and running like in Germany and Norway and I know it's going to come into force in Scotland.

'In other places this has led to an increase in recycling of around 90 per cent so this is something I think will increase recycling, especially the recycling of glass here.

'We know that people can recycle more. Since we made changes to waste collection with the wheelie bins last year there's been more recycling. There's also the food waste trial which has seen people throwing away less food.'

Rachel Hudson, co-ordinator of Portsmouth Friends of the Earth, hoped it would encourage more people to recycle. 'I think it is a great idea,' she said.

'But firstly we do need to think about what we are buying and if we can reduce our intake because that's the best way to help. And especially during this time we should be planning our meals so we don't buy more food than is needed and end up throwing it away.'

Portsmouth Extinction Rebellion member, Nick Sebley, agreed that reducing should come first. He added: 'Extinction Rebellion's view is that recycling can be a bit of a red herring and really we should be mindful of what we are buying first and reducing our waste.'

Currently 8,000 homes in Portsmouth are taking part in a food waste trial which saw 265 tonnes of waste, that would have previously been placed in general waste, recycled at an anaerobic digestion plant within four months.