Falkirk parties clash over failure of bottle recycling scheme

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A further delay to Scotland's long-awaited Deposit Return Scheme means more uncertainty for Falkirk Council residents.The flagship recycling scheme was supposed to start this year but the Scottish Government announced this week that it will be delayed until October 2025 at the earliest.Circular economy minister Lorna Slater told the Scottish Parliament that they had no choice but to delay its introduction after the UK government excluded glass from the Scottish scheme. Read more: Falkirk Council launch free rat control service for council homes as complaints from tenants rise Falkirk Council had intended to stop its black box collections from September this year but was forced to extend the service as the national scheme became the focus of bitter arguments.Members of all parties agreed in May that they wanted more clarity and improved communication so they could give better information to their constituents.They also agreed to a Conservative amendment asking officers to bring back a report on the delivery of the black box kerbside collection if there is a further delay to DRS, or any changes which sees the removal of glass from this scheme.Conservative group's environment spokesperson, Councillor James Bundy, said: "Thanks to an amendment put forward by the Falkirk Conservatives last month, glass recycling rates in Falkirk will be maintained despite the SNP/Green Government's failure to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme on time."With their botched Deposit Return Scheme, the SNP/Greens failed to properly engage with businesses across Scotland, cost Scottish industry millions of pounds, and left Scottish Councils in the unknown."Despite SNP spin, this is a delay caused by their own failure to deliver."Cllr Bundy, added: