Retailers will have to newly-prepare for the Deposit Return Scheme after the Scottish government unanimously passed amendments to the project.
On 13 June, Scottish parliament made changes to the DRS that include the exclusion of drinks containers under 100ml and products that sell fewer than 5,000 units per year.
However, retailers will now see a simplified online application process for applying to be exempt from providing a return point.
This comes after 7 June when circular economy minister, Lorna Slater, delayed Scotland’s DRS for a fourth time until “at least October 2025”, aligning it with the rest of the UK. The minister said she was left with “no other option” after “an even bigger act of sabotage” when the UK government effectively banned Scotland from including glass in its scheme on 27 May.
Scottish local shops denied compensation over delayed DRS
Retailers, alongside drink companies Coca-Cola and Red Bull, have since called for compensation after preparing for a Scotland-specific scheme.
The Fed’s national deputy vice president, Mo Razzaq, said: “Shopkeepers who took out leasing contracts are paying almost £4,000 a year for now redundant machines to process returned bottles and cans.
“Some retailers have also paid thousands for structures to house the machines outside or shop fitting to accommodate them inside. This is money they can ill afford.”
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