The Scottish Government surprised Circularity Scotland, the DRS administrator, by delaying the DRS until March 2021. Circularity Scotland programme director Donald McCalman told Scotland he learned “the same time as everybody else”.
The Deposit Return Scheme started in August to recycle more single-use beverages bottles and cans. When you return drinks in cans and bottles, you will receive a refund of the 20p deposit. Some merchants allow returns over the counter, while larger stores, shopping centres, and community hubs use reverse vending machines.
Many small breweries and distillers opposed the proposal, fearing it would add prices and additional difficulties to their already ailing businesses.The Scottish market could force many items and hundreds of enterprises out.
First Minister Humza Yousaf stated his support for the deposit return plan as a means to increase recycling, reduce litter, and aid in achieving our net zero ambitions. However, he acknowledged the concerns of the business community.He announced that he would give firms more time to prepare and that he would implement a “simplify and de-risk” package.
Later this week, Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater will explain why the Scottish Government delayed the Deposit Return Scheme until March 2021.
The Scottish Government surprised Circularity Scotland, the DRS administrator, by postponing it until March 2021. First Minister Humza Yousaf said the delay will allow businesses more time to prepare.
DRS aims to recycle more single-use drinks bottles and cans. Drinks in cans and bottles require a 20p deposit that is refunded when returned. Some merchants allow returns over the counter, while larger stores, shopping centres, and community hubs use reverse vending machines.
Many small businesses worry it will add costs and other obligations at a time when they are suffering. Many products may disappear from shelves and thousands of enterprises may be forced out of the Scottish market. Given potential repercussions elsewhere in the UK, Westminster must exempt the UK-wide Internal Market Act.
First Minister Humza Yousaf told parliament he supported the deposit return scheme “as a way to increase recycling, reduce litter and help achieve our net zero ambitions”. He said a bundle of changes will “simplify and de-risk” the system. Later this week, Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater will explain the move to parliament.
