Premises with off-sales no longer required to collect used containers from the general public
PUBS, bars and restaurants that sell alcohol for consumption off the premises will no longer be expected to operate as ‘return points’ under changes to the Deposit Return Scheme announced today.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament today circular economy minister Lorna Slater said that hospitality premises which “sell the large majority of their drinks products for consumption on the premises” will no longer have to operate as ‘return points’ – ie accept returns from members of the public and pay out 20p for each container.
Previously, any business selling drinks for consumption off the premises would have to apply for an exemption if they were to avoid operating as a return point for containers included in the scheme (ie any PET plastic, steel or aluminium or glass containers between 101ml and 3 litres in size).
However, all hospitality premises will still participate in the scheme, paying a 20p deposit for each container they purchase from their supplier and receiving that payment back when the empty container is collected by the scheme administrator.
Slater also announced that drinks containers under 100ml (for example, sample bottles) will now be excluded from the DRS scheme, as well as SKUs that sell fewer than 5000 units a year.
First minister Humza Yousaf had already announced a delay to the Deposit Return Scheme, originally scheduled to go live in August this year. It is now expected to launch on 1st March, 2024.
Slater said the Scottish Government’s commitment to the scheme “is unwavering”.
“Scotland’s deposit return scheme will reduce litter on our streets, massively increase the recycling of drinks containers and help meet our net zero ambitions,” said Slater.
“However, to realise these benefits DRS needs to be delivered in a way that works for businesses, especially for small drinks producers. The changes I have set out will make the scheme easier for industry to deliver – especially for craft producers – while still making sure the vast majority of drinks containers are captured for recycling.”
Slater also repeated calls for the UK Government to grant an exemption to the Internal Market Act, which will be required in order for the scheme to launch.
