DUP MLA Michelle McIlveen has been slammed for turning down plans to introduce a bottle deposit return scheme in Northern Ireland.

The scheme aims to give cash back for bottles that have been returned for recycling.

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said: "During my tenure as Environment Minister I saw the potential of a scheme like this to dramatically reduce litter, improve our recycling rates and minimise the amount of waste going to landfill or abroad for gasification.

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"It would be a very positive step on our journey to becoming a zero waste society.

"Officials were carrying out a feasibility study and I engaged with a number of stakeholders to ascertain their views.

"The response was generally very good although some concerns were expressed at the potential cost of establishing the scheme. I spoke to the Scottish Environment Minister about the prospect of doing some joint working in the belief that collaboration would cut costs.

"I discussed with officials the need to carry out a pilot scheme here in the North and was disappointed to hear from the new minister that this progressive policy is not being pursued."

(CD/LM)