Biffa made logistics partner for Scotland’s deposit return scheme

Waste giant Biffa has been given a key role in the launch of the UK’s first deposit return scheme, after being appointed logistics partner by Circularity Scotland.

The body of major drinks producers and retailers said the move was a “landmark moment” for the scheme, which is due to go live in August next year.

As well as providing logistics support to the system, Biffa is also working with Circularity Scotland on a major project to build a new PET recycling plant in Scotland, to support the scheme.

The appointment follows May’s announcement that Circularity Scotland had secured £18m investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank and Bank of Scotland to support the initial set-up phase of the scheme.

Biffa’s appointment could also pave the way for it to play a key role in a future scheme administrator in England, although last week The Grocer revealed environment secretary George Eustice announced the government was prepared to reconsider its time frame for the rollout, previously scehedule for 2024, amid fears over the costs.

Circularity Scotland said DRS was a fundamental part of Scotland’s efforts to move to tackle climate change and aimed to ensure at least 90% of recyclable drinks containers are captured and prevented from becoming waste.

“Bringing on board Biffa as our logistics service provider is another landmark moment in this work,” said David Harris, CEO of Circularity Scotland.

“Their unparalleled expertise in supporting large scale and complex recycling schemes will help us to achieve the aim of capturing and recycling at least 90% of drinks containers made from PET plastic, aluminium, steel or glass.”

Michael Topham, Biffa chief executive officer, added: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to provide logistics, sorting and counting services for Scotland’s landmark Deposit Return Scheme. This appointment is testament to the strength of Biffa’s reputation as a sustainable waste management provider to complex markets, our extensive capabilities and world leading recycling infrastructure.”