The implementation date for Scotland’s deposit return scheme has been delayed from April next year to July 2022 amid fears of the effects of coronavirus. Under the scheme, licensees will have to pay an extra 20p on all aluminium cans, plastic and glass bottles and then decide whether or not to pass this on to customers to cover losses and breakages.
The government said the delay would give businesses time to ensure the necessary infrastructure was in place.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said, “Our deposit return scheme will be the first national scheme of its type operating in the UK.
“By including a wide range of materials, including glass, and setting a deposit of 20p, we are giving the people of Scotland a clear and straightforward way to do their bit for the environment.
“Having listened to the views of stakeholders, I have agreed to extend the ‘go-live’ date from April 2021 to July 2022.”
She continued, “This will give businesses more time to prepare their premises for the scheme and crucially, provides flexibility in the immediate term as the whole country prepares to deal with Covid-19 – the impact of which continues to be closely monitored.
“One very important way of achieving our climate targets is in tackling throw-away culture and building a circular economy where our resources are kept in use for as long as possible, and our deposit return scheme is just one part of this.”
