Government announcements last week brought final deposit return scheme (DRS) plans closer for stores in Scotland, but further away for those in the rest of the UK.
In Scotland, Holyrood appointed a scheme administrator, the body that will set crucial retailer terms including the rate of pay. In England, stores were given more time as implementation was delayed until 2024.
Scotland
Circularity Scotland Limited (CSL) has been announced as the new administrator to oversee the operation of Scotland’s DRS.
The not-for-profit body represents a combination of drinks producers, trade associations and retailers. Founding members include – but are not limited to – AG Barr, C&C Group, Coca-Cola European Partners, Highland Spring Group, the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Soft Drinks Association and the Natural Source Waters Association.
UK government delays deposit return scheme until 2024
The decision comes two months after CSL completed its application to the government for approval. At the time, an industry source revealed a “robust” document had been submitted, detailing how much stores will get paid for handling returns and how frequently bottles will be collected.
Interim director Donald McCalman described the move as a “milestone moment”. He said: “The DRS is a gamechanger for Scotland’s ambition to become a greener, cleaner country. The appointment allows us to begin delivering world-class DRS.”
The NFRN was the only convenience trade group to back plans for DRS. National president Stuart Reddish said the group was “looking forward to working on the implementation of the scheme so our members can assist their communities by providing return points”.
However, at the start of last month, the Scottish government announced it would be conducting a review into the go-live date for a DRS.
Speaking in Scottish Parliament, minister for rural affairs and the natural environment Ben Macpherson blamed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic for the decision.
It is still unknown when the scheme is likely to be delayed until.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Last week, the UK government confirmed the implementation of a
DRS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland would be pushed back until late 2024.
DRS advisory group established
The news comes a week after sources suggested the results of the second consultation held last year were due to be published imminently, ahead of a rollout in 2023.
In a statement released last week, the UK government, like Scotland’s, blamed the impact of Covid- 19 for putting further pressure on the timeline.
In doing so, it confirmed the second consultation instead would build upon the first, offering a “chance to explore further what the continued appetite is for a DRS in a ‘post-Covid’ context”.
“We believe this revision presents a realistic yet equally ambitious timeline to implement a complex but incredibly important policy in the most effective way possible,” it read.
The consultation remains open for another 10 weeks, and is scheduled to close on 4 June.
A longer version of this story appears in the latest edition of RN, including an interview with Donald McCalman, interim director of Circularity Scotland. Subscribe for detailed news and analysis of the latest developments in independent retail.
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