Deposit return scheme in Scotland postponed again following business opposition

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The introduction of a controversial recycling scheme has been postponed for another 10 months following a massive backlash from businesses.The deposit return scheme (DRS) was due to launch across Scotland from August 16 but will now be pushed back to March 1 next year.Humza Yousaf said today the delay would help firms prepare for its introduction.

The policy is meant to boost recycling rates by charging a 20p deposit on every single-use drinks bottle or can.But dozens of small breweries and distillers have warned it could push them out of business by massively increasing their costs at a time when they are already being hit by inflation.Yousaf told MSPs: "I remain committed to this scheme as a way to increase recycling, reduce litter and help achieve our net zero ambitions."But we recognise the uncertainty that continues to be created as a result of the UK Government delaying the decision to exclude the scheme from the Internal Market Act."We had hoped for that decision this week – but it has not come.

At the same time, I – and the Circular Economy Minister - have heard the concerns of business, particularly about the scheme’s readiness for launch this August."As a result, we will now delay the launch of the scheme to March 1, 2024.

This provides 10 months for businesses to get ready."We will use that additional time to work with businesses, and Circularity Scotland, to address concerns with the scheme and ensure a successful launch next year."We have also developed a package of measures to simplify and de-risk the scheme, and to support small businesses and hospitality in particular."Under the scheme every Scottish producer will have to add a 20p to every product before it is sold anywhere in the country.The charge is