Kirsty Williams AM has declared her support for a newly launched consultation on a plastic bottle Deposit Return Scheme.

Deposit Return Schemes encourage people to recycle drinks containers such as plastic or glass bottles. People pay a small deposit for the container which is paid back when it is returned to a collection point.

The consultation is a joint effort between the Welsh Government, the UK Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. It will develop a UK-wide evidence base following a Scottish Government consultation on the same topic last year.

Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, said:

“Incentivising recycling through a Deposit Return Scheme would help tackle litter and pollution, in doing so keeping our towns and landscapes cleaner and contributing to the health of the planet.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are supportive of idea and proposed it in our last Welsh Assembly manifesto, so it is good to see this being actively considered. I would encourage all interested parties to respond to the consultation.”

The consultation can be found at https://beta.gov.wales/deposit-return-scheme-drinks-containers