Scotmid Co-operative has unveiled its first reverse vending machine to recycle soft drink cans and plastic bottles.

Entitled ‘Recycle and Reward’, the scheme has been launched for a three-month period in Scotmid’s South Queensferry store.

The initiative is designed to inform Scotmid ahead of legislative changes while the Scottish government completes the consultation phase of the proposed Deposit Return Scheme, designed to increase the level of plastic and aluminium recycling.

When customers return plastic and aluminium soft drink containers – purchased at the South Queensferry store – into the reverse vending machine, they can choose which reward they receive – either 10p per item off their shopping bill or by donating the sum to Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Scotmid chief executive John Brodie said: “Scotmid are really excited about launching this progressive initiative in our South Queensferry store – it matches our core values and principles as an ethical community retailer.

“Reverse vending machines have helped to transform recycling habits in Norway, Denmark and Germany and we believe that can also happen here in Scotland.

“We’re proud to have already forged a new partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful and we look forward to seeing the initiative help to achieve the objective of a beautiful Scotland.”

Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Scotmid on this exciting initiative.”