Scottish Deposit Return Scheme delayed until March 2024

Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme will now not launch until March of next year, the country's First Minister has announced.

The scheme, which is aimed at increasing the number of single-use drinks bottle and cans that are recycled, was due to start in August. Humza Yousaf announced the delay as he set out his priorities for his government over the next three years.

The deposit return scheme will see 20p added to the price of a single-use drinks container, which will be refunded to people who return the container to 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 known as reverse vending machines (RVMs).

Many small businesses fear it will place extra costs and other burdens on them at a time when they are already struggling. And there have been concerns that thousands of firms could end up being forced out of the Scottish market, and that many products will disappear from the shelves.

Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:“The business community will welcome the First Minister’s sensible move to delay the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme to March 2024. The scheme, in its current form, is not fit for purpose and not suited to bringing SMEs onboard during a cost of doing business crisis.

“The Scottish Government must now work with the business community to ensure that the scheme is redesigned to address the magnitude of concerns that firms have put forward, and to make it workable for all effected businesses.”