Scotland to delay Deposit Return Scheme until March 2024

Further to previous news on Scotland’s proposed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) (see link below), Scotland’s First Minister Mr Humza Yousaf MSP, has announced that the DRS will not be launched until March 2024. The DRS planned to see 20p added to the price of single use drinks containers, with the 20p being refunded to people who return the container to a retailer or hospitality premises that offer single-use products.

Some retailers will accept returns over the counter while larger stores, shopping centres and community hubs will operate automated receiving points identified as reverse vending machines.

The DRS has received criticism from the Scottish hospitality sector, with small businesses fearing the DRS will place extra costs and other burdens on them at a time when they are already struggling. There have been further concerns that thousands of firms could end up being pushed out of the Scottish market, and further fears that products may disappear from the shelves.

It will undoubtedly be the case that the Industry will welcome this delay, and hope that this will lead to a wider review of the matter.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-64616887