Deposit return scheme: Scotland’s controversial recycling initiative delayed till no less than October 2025

Scotland’s deposit return scheme has been delayed till no less than October 2025.

Lorna Slater, the minister for inexperienced abilities, round financial system and biodiversity, introduced the delay in an announcement to the Scottish parliament on Wednesday.

First Minister Humza Yousaf had earlier warned that it was in “grave danger” after the UK authorities dominated it might solely go forward with out glass bottles included in it.

Environmental campaigners referred to as on Mr Yousaf to “hold his nerve” and soldier on with the nation’s first deposit return scheme (DRS) with cans and plastic bottles.

Ms Slater mentioned: “I informed parliament yesterday that our scheme can’t proceed as deliberate. The refusal of the UK authorities alone to budge on glass makes that apparent.

“As of today, it is now clear that we have been left with no other option than to delay the launch of Scotland’s DRS until October 2025 at the earliest based on the UK government’s current stated aspirations.”

The controversial scheme was attributable to begin in Scotland in August however was pushed again to March 2024 after Mr Yousaf was put in as first minister.

With comparable schemes in the remainder of the UK not attributable to come into impact till 2025, the Scottish authorities sought an exemption from the Internal Market Act – which regulates commerce within the totally different elements of the UK following Brexit.

Westminster granted a restricted exemption, however stipulated glass couldn’t be a part of it.

Mr Yousaf argued with out a full exemption, the UK authorities was “in danger of sinking this scheme in its entirety”.

He wrote to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, calling for glass to be included. The request was knocked again to make sure “simplicity and interoperability”.

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In a letter on Monday, UK authorities ministers Michael Gove, Alister Jack, and Therese Coffey mentioned the restricted exemption offered a “practical solution to proceed with the Scottish government’s scheme, balanced with the need to uphold the UK’s internal market (UKIM), ensuring a level playing field for all British businesses and consumers as we maximise the benefits of aligned schemes across the UK in the future”.

Ms Slater beforehand admitted that the {industry} has “invested hundreds of millions of pounds” in the direction of the scheme however has dodged questions over who can be responsible for compensation if it fails to come back to fruition.

Ms Slater mentioned she was dedicated to a DRS.

“Scotland will have a deposit return scheme,” she mentioned. “It will come later than need be. It will be more limited than it should be. More limited than parliament voted for.

“And these delays and dilutions lie squarely within the palms of UK authorities that has sadly appeared so much more intent on sabotaging this parliament than defending our surroundings.”

The Scottish Greens co-leader pledged to work with the UK government and others to “play the hand we’ve got been dealt” for a cleaner environment, less waste and to meet climate targets.

Gavin Partington, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA), welcomed the decision.

He added: “BSDA members have lengthy supported the introduction of an industry-led, interoperable DRS run on a not-for-profit foundation to assist help a round financial system, lowering litter and rising recycling they usually have made vital investments of cash, useful resource and time over the previous few years to assist get DRS off the bottom.

“We now urge the UK government to publish a blueprint for how it intends to achieve an October 2025 start date, particularly regarding how it intends to fulfil the conditions set out in its letter to the Scottish government.

“BSDA members stay dedicated to working with the UK authorities and devolved governments to assist guarantee DRS will be delivered successfully and effectively for customers and companies alike.”