Chamber News
Small firms to get deposit return scheme support
23 February 2023 • Sarah Medcraf
Changes have been announced to the plans for a deposit return scheme for cans and bottles in Scotland.
Concerns had been raised about the impact of the recycling programme on small businesses.
The body set up to run the scheme - due to go live in August - has now announced extra support for small firms.
Circularity Scotland has also now said firms selling fewer than three million units a year will not have to pay deposits and fees for the first month of the scheme.
Producers will also be given two months' credit terms for payments.
Firms producing fewer than 25,000 units a year will also be given the option of using stick-on barcodes.
Many small businesses have warned that while they support the general sentiments, the scheme will impose unacceptable costs and other strains while they are still recovering from the Covid pandemic.
This has been echoed by business organisations who have expressed concern over the cashflow impact of paying deposits and administrative fees in advance, as well as pressure to produce special barcodes on products destined for the Scottish market.
We will continue to press for action on concerns that have not been addressed by this announcement, with senior Scottish Government officials and ministers.