A deposit on plastic bottles?

Sir, – Observing the glut of plastic bottles littering our beaches, verges and roadsides, it is most unfortunate that Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has chosen to reject the introduction of a deposit-and-return scheme (“Minister scraps plans to introduce packaging levy”, Home News, September 12th). Having largely dealt with the scourge of the plastic bag, surely a refundable tax on plastic bottles could have a similarly dramatic effect on an ongoing eyesore. – Yours, etc,

EIMIR O’BRIEN,

Dale View,

Ballybrack, Co Dublin.

Sir, – I remember when the redeemed deposits on five returned bottles of lemonade would be enough to buy a Mars bar. – Yours, etc,

PAUL O’RIORDAN,

Stamer Street,

Dublin 12