Scottish Deposit Return Scheme Faces Setbacks as UK Government Changes Parameters

The Scottish government's circular economy minister, Lorna Slater, is seeking an urgent discussion with the UK government to find a way forward.

The scheme was due to start in August but has been pushed back to March 2024.

The Scottish government sought an exemption from the Internal Market Act, which regulates trade in the different parts of the UK following Brexit, but stipulated glass could not be part of it.

Environmental campaigners have called on the first minister to continue with the scheme with cans and plastic bottles, while the industry has invested hundreds of millions of pounds towards the scheme but has dodged questions over who would be liable for compensation if it fails to come to fruition.

The UK government is not supporting Scotland's deposit return scheme (DRS) and is actively trying to undermine it.

Scotland passed a DRS but it was rejected by Westminster.

Now, a group called Circularity Scotland is exploring alternative DRS options for Scotland.

The group plans to report back to the Scottish parliament as soon as possible.