This announcement follows the UK Government reaffirming its position on granting Scotland’s DRS an exemption from the Internal Market Act for PET plastic drinks containers and steel and aluminium cans, despite Scotland’s plan to include glass drinks containers in their scheme.
The Scottish cabinet met on Wednesday 7th June to discuss the schemes fate following a letter sent to the UK Prime Minister by Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousef requesting a full exemption from the Internal Market Act for Scotland’s DRS which was declined.
Scotland’s Circular Economy Minister said:
“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.
I remain committed to interoperable DRS schemes across the UK provided that we can work in a spirit of collaboration not imposition. I wrote again last night to the UK Government, to urge ministers to reset a climate of trust and good faith to galvanise and retain the knowledge that has been built in Circularity Scotland and DRS partners in Scotland.
This Parliament voted for a Deposit Return Scheme. I am committed to a Deposit Return Scheme. Scotland will have a Deposit Return Scheme. It will come later than need be. It will be more limited than it should be. More limited than Parliament voted for.”