Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will be a turning point for recycling and waste in North Ayrshire according to West Scotland MSP Ross Greer.

The controversial scheme is set to come into effect on August 16, when a 20p deposit will be added onto every drinks bottle or can we buy.

Once we are finished with the drink we can return the empty container to one of the thousands of return points that will be available and claim the 20p back.

The idea behind the scheme is that the producers and retailers of the bottles should pay for them to be recycled, rather than have consumers pay for the product and then pay for recycling via taxes.

Greer, Scottish Green MSP, believes the scheme will play a big part in helping to clean up the area, and is encouraging locals to get involved.

He said: “The scheme will make a huge difference in North Ayrshire because we can see the problem with far too many of our streets and parks being blighted by litter which can easily be recycled.

“That is why I am delighted that so many retailers and businesses in North Ayrshire have signed up for the scheme, despite the lurid scare stories.

“Everyone in North Ayrshire can be confident that the vast majority of the bottles and cans that they see in their local shops will be included.

“It will be a turning point for Scotland’s relationship with litter and recycling and will mean cleaner streets in North Ayrshire.”