The launch of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will be delayed until at least October 2025 as a consequence of the UK Government’s refusal to agree a full exclusion from the Internal Market Act, Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater has told Parliament.
Last week the UK Government imposed a number of conditions on the scheme, including the removal of glass and the requirement to align aspects of the scheme with planned schemes across the UK.
Following consultations with key businesses including producers, ministers have concluded that certainty on critical elements of the scheme cannot be provided to businesses until the UK government publishes more detail, and therefore Scotland’s deposit return scheme will not go live until October 2025 at the earliest.
Slater told Parliament: “It is now clear that we have been left with no other option than to delay the launch of Scotland’s DRS, until October 2025 at the earliest based on the UK government’s current stated aspirations.
“I remain committed to interoperable DRS schemes across the UK provided that we can work in a spirit of collaboration not imposition. I wrote again last night to the UK government, to urge ministers to reset a climate of trust and good faith to galvanise and retain the knowledge that has been built in Circularity Scotland and DRS partners in Scotland.
“This Parliament voted for a Deposit Return Scheme. I am committed to a Deposit Return Scheme. Scotland will have a Deposit Return Scheme. It will come later than need be. It will be more limited than it should be. More limited than Parliament voted for.
“These delays and dilutions lie squarely in the hands of UK Government that has sadly seemed so far more intent on sabotaging this parliament than protecting our environment.”
In response, David Harris, Circularity Scotland Chief Executive, said: “This is clearly a disappointing outcome, which will have a significant impact on investment in Scotland. We have made it clear that industry was prepared for the deposit return scheme to go live in March 2024, and that a scheme without glass is both economically viable and is an opportunity for Scotland to provide a platform for a UK-wide DRS.
“Regrettably, further delaying the introduction of DRS will hinder Scotland’s progress towards net zero and mean that billions of drinks containers continue to end up as waste.”
SGF said alignment with the UK scheme may now be the “best solution” for the sector and businesses across the UK.
It added: “It is vital that both UK and Scottish Ministers provide immediate clarity for business on the critical path and timescale for the development for the UK scheme. There remains a significant level of uncertainty, alongside wider issues regarding the time and funding already invested in DRS by many retailers, producers, service providers and CSL and its partner agencies.
“SGF will continue to engage with both the Scottish government and the UK government on the next steps and to ensure that our sector’s voice is heard.”
Mo Razzaq, NFRN National Deputy Vice-President, said it makes sense for the Scottish government to decide now to launch at the same time as the rest of the UK because “we are far from confident the deeply flawed Scottish scheme will be ready”.
He added: “It is essential that retailers in Scotland who have entered into leasing contracts for machines to process returned bottles and cans, are compensated for their losses of around £4,000 a year, in addition to service charges and shop refitting to accommodate the machines.”
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said it has become “increasingly clear” that a workable DRS system, interoperable with future schemes in the rest of the UK, cannot be put in place by March 2024.
“This is disappointing, but it is the right decision to work towards the launch of interoperable schemes across the UK in October 2025,” he added.
“It is absolutely essential that the governments of the UK work together to introduce a scheme that works for everyone, is effective at increasing recycling rates, and does not impose unnecessary conditions on the retailers that will be delivering the scheme on the ground.”
Tell SLR what you think of this decision – email lwells@55north.com.
