The Scottish government has insisted there will be “no turning back” on its plans for a deposit return scheme, despite admitting there are major concerns from retailers.
A conference in Glasgow run by scheme administrator Circularity Scotland attracted more than 600 represenatives from drinks producers, retailers and hospitality businesses this week to learn about the latest developments in the UK’s first DRS scheme.
At the event, Scotland’s Green minister Lorna Slater said its start date of 16 August was set in stone. However, she promised further changes to the scheme were in the pipeline.
Earlier this month, Slater revealed tens of thousands of smaller retailers would be able to opt out of the scheme, amid fears over the costs.
Slater stressed DRS was a key part of the Scottish government’s work in meeting its climate commitments, though it was “listening and responding to industry concerns”.
She told attendees to expect further announcements to address industry concerns around online takeback and said the government would work with industry to ensure a “pragmatic” approach.
“With just under a year to go until the deposit return scheme goes live, we’re calling for businesses across Scotland to join us in making sure the scheme is a success,” said Circularity Scotland CEO David Harris.
“We know that businesses have concerns about how the scheme will operate and how it will affect them – and we’ve heard from many of those over the last two days.
“But that’s exactly why we held this conference – to create a forum for all those who will be involved in delivering the scheme to get the information they need. Ultimately, by bringing businesses together and creating more opportunities to collaborate, we can achieve what we all want: to reduce waste and protect Scotland’s environment for generations to come.”
Currently, Zero Waste Scotland estimates that only around 45% of recyclable drinks containers are recycled, with the rest ending up as waste and litter. The DRS aims to ensure that 90% of all drinks containers are captured and recycled, which CSL said would prevent billions of bottles and cans each year from blighting the Scottish countryside and harming wildlife.
BSDA director general Gavin Partington said: “Our members are united in their commitment to reducing waste and increasing recycling and support the introduction of a well-designed deposit return scheme across the UK.
“While there are more challenges to overcome and questions that remain for producers, bringing industry together in this way is crucial as we build towards the scheme going live next year.”
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