Drinks Cans And Bottles Deposit Return Scheme - Opposition Grows But Is It Too Late To Stop

12th February 2023

The SNP government has been working towards a deposit return scheme that now comes into effect in August 2023.

The problem for the scheme is that retailers and in particular small retailers do not want it as it will increase their costs to handle returns and those costs will be passed on to customers in higher prices.

The there will be work for all consumers to take back the cans and bottles to clam the 20 pence on each bottle or can back. Most people recycle their bottles and cans so everyone will need to take on the extra work to cover for those that do not.

Some companies that supply drinks into Scotland from England and other places are considering stopping due to the complexities and potential price increases.

Increasing numbers of politicians are belatedly coming out against the scheme and it perhaps pity they did not speak up much sooner.

Will it be ditch at the last hour. What about the money many businesses have already spent preparing for it.

For Businesses
Drinks cans and bottles deposit return scheme
Scotland's Deposit Return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers was due to begin in July 2022 but it has been delayed until August 2023. This is a new law introduced by the Scottish Government to reduce litter and encourage recycling.

When it starts, you'll pay a deposit of 20p on most drinks sold in bottles and cans, which you buy to drink on the go or at home. The shops and cafes who sell them will take them back when you've finished with them and give you your deposit back.

The scheme will cover drinks sold in cans, glass bottles and clear plastic bottles. It doesn't include milk bottles, or other things sold in similar containers like shower gel, ketchup or soup.

Find out more about the scheme, and how it will work on
Zero Waste Scotland's websitee .

You'll still be able to recycle drinks cans and bottles at home like you do now, but to get your deposits back you'll need to take them back to a business who are part of the scheme. It won't need to be the same shop you bought them from.

If you are a shop, cafe or other business who sells drinks in bottles and cans to drink away from your site, you'll need to prepare to act as a collection point and arrange for these to be recycled.The Scottish Government has appointed Circularity Scotland to operate the scheme for them. You need to register with them so they can tell you what you need to do as the scheme gets ready to start.

What will customers do?
A big question for any business and faced with 20 pence on every bottle and can customers may initially cut back. Will they be put off by 20p or faced with £4.80 extra for pack of 24 cans of cola decide to pass and drink more water.

With a rise in the cost of living on many other areas this deposit return scheme may a step too far at this time.