Scottish deposit return delayed until October 2025

The deposit return scheme in Scotland is to be delayed until October 2025 at the earliest.
The flagship recycling scheme was supposed to launch in March next year. But Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said she had been left with no choice after the UK government excluded glass from the Scottish scheme. She said she remained committed to introducing the recycling scheme - although it will be more limited than originally intended.

The delay means that the Scottish scheme is likely to launch at the same time as similar proposals for other parts of the UK - as many retailers and drinks companies had been calling for.

When it is finally introduced, the deposit return scheme (DRS) will see a 20p charge placed on drinks containers which would be refunded to consumers when they return the bottles and cans in a bid to increase recycling levels. Larger stores, shopping centres and community hubs will operate reverse vending machines for people to return their containers.

Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, said: "On the whole businesses are pleased that the DRS has been postponed until at least 2025. We've worked hard to show Scottish Government that their scheme in its current form is not fit for purpose. I hope they take the time to engage with the business community on what a good model could look like. The sectors, particularly retailers and hospitality, will be glad of the breathing room as other costs and priorities are taking their attention at the moment whether this be energy, rates, staff, to name a few. However, some businesses did take the risk and move forward with plans as per government guidance and theses businesses need to be compensated for loss of resources"

Deposit Return Scheme