Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme pause is welcome, but scheme needs a complete rethink

First Minister Humza Yousaf has this week announced the deposit return scheme (DRS) will be delayed until March 2024, following concerns from business owners.

This was met with a huge sigh of relief from many as, for months, business owners, producers and industry bodies, as well as huge retailers, have been pointing out the many flaws in the scheme. Everyone I’ve spoken to, since July last year, has reiterated they want a scheme that works and are not against more green measures. But that this one simply would not function in the way it is supposed to.

Now these same people are welcoming the pause, which Mr Yousaf explained, saying he remains committed to the DRS, but seemed to blame the uncertainty that continues around the scheme on the UK Government delaying the decision to exclude the scheme from the Internal Market Act. Business owners' concerns, he said, were part of the decision. However, Mr Yousaf went on to say the next ten months would give businesses “time to prepare” and to give Circularity Scotland time to address concerns with businesses over the scheme.

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While the delay is welcome, it does not address the fact the DRS, which has been criticised due to the complex nature, costs and how it will impact businesses and green infrastructure already in place, will not work in its existing form.

Most critics don't disagree with the aim of the deposit return scheme for bottles and cans, but it needs to be workable. Picture: George Frey/Getty ImagesMost critics don't disagree with the aim of the deposit return scheme for bottles and cans, but it needs to be workable. Picture: George Frey/Getty Images
Most critics don't disagree with the aim of the deposit return scheme for bottles and cans, but it needs to be workable. Picture: George Frey/Getty Images

Owners have also spoken about the lack of consultation, with many firms from England and Wales already stopping products from being stocked in Scotland. Mr Yousaf’s statement also does not address those businesses which have already spent money getting ready for the scheme’s original launch date of August 16, many of which are now calling for compensation.

For the DRS to work effectively, not to create more pollution and ensure small and rural communities are well served by it – the need to drive miles to return bottles and cans has to be ruled out – then the entire thing needs a rethink. Instead of time to get ready, businesses, especially small producers, need the Government to step back, scrap this DRS and work on something that will work for everyone and for the planet.

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