PRESS RELEASE | Circularity Scotland: Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme on course for August launch

Press release from Circularity Scotland

• Scotland on course to introduce Deposit Return Scheme in August 2023
• Producers responsible for more than 2bn drinks containers signed up
• More than 95% of the annual total volume of products now included in scheme
• Hundreds of large, small and medium-sized producers signed up and registration will remain open to allow remaining producers to complete registration

Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme has reached a key milestone, with producers responsible for more than 95% of the containers sold in Scotland now registered for one of the country’s biggest ever recycling programmes.

Scheme administrator Circularity Scotland welcomed those producers who have now registered. SEPA the scheme’s regulator has confirmed registration will remain open to enable all producers to sign up in time for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme on 16 August, 2023.

Circularity Scotland confirmed that by midnight on 28 February, producers responsible for more than 2bn recyclable drinks containers had registered for the scheme, representing more than 95% of the total volume of products sold in Scotland each year.

Products from a range of sectors including global soft drinks, craft brewers, wine importers and distilleries have been registered with the scheme. By 28 February, 26,000 products had been registered, illustrating the scale of the scheme and the choice that will exist for consumers.

Circularity Scotland Chief Executive, David Harris, said: “This is a fantastic start and a real landmark for the Deposit Return Scheme, which is set to deliver ground-breaking environmental benefits to Scotland.

“I would like to warmly welcome and thank all those producers who have registered for the scheme and emphasise that our team of experts are on hand to continue supporting registration.

“We’ve never underestimated the challenge of delivering a scheme which requires the support of so many Scottish businesses. They will all be helping us to reach the goal of recycling billions of PET plastic, glass and metal drinks containers a year. We’re now well on the way to achieving that vital ambition.

I would encourage those producers who have begun their registration to complete it as soon as possible and can assure those producers who have yet to sign up, that we have people on hand to support them through the process.”

1 March, 2023 marks the start of another key milestone in the scheme with the opening of registration for Return Point Operators (RPOs).

An RPO is anyone who provides a service for the collection of recyclable PET plastic, metal and glass containers included in Scotland’s scheme and refunds consumers’ deposits.

This service can range from accepting returns over the counter and refunding consumers’ deposits from the till, to operating a Reverse Vending Machine which will automatically accept containers and refund deposits as vouchers.

Most retailers and hospitality businesses that sell drinks to take away are legally required to operate a return point. This includes online retailers of drinks. However, they can apply for an exemption based on proximity to other return points or environmental health reasons. This is being managed by Zero Waste Scotland.

Sarah Medcraf said: “Sadly the business community’s concerns have not been listened to. Whilst we continue to press for a delay to allow all the issues to be ironed out, we will still share all information that we receive out to members, so they can be best equipped in difficult circumstances. If you need any direct support, please do reach out to us at Moray Chamber of Commerce.”

info@moraychamber.co.uk

01343 543344