PRA URGES MORE CLARITY ON THE BOTTLE DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME (DRS)

The Petrol Retailers Association wrote to the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater on Tuesday 13 June, expressing its concerns over Scotland's Bottle Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the PRA, said:

“The uncertainty surrounding the Bottle Deposit Return Scheme is undermining the investment made by our members.
We recognise the potential environmental benefits of a properly implemented DRS scheme but urge against burdening our members with additional expenses for a scheme that lacks approval.”

“Our members have already invested significant resources based on Holyrood's direction and are already impacted by the rising costs; therefore, we have asked the Minister for transparency regarding the ongoing conversations with Westminster and certainty whether the scheme will be implemented as planned.”

Balmer concluded:

“We are open to meeting with the Minister or the relevant authorities to address concerns and explore viable solutions.” 

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Scottish Ministers have announced legislation to establish a Deposit Return Scheme which would enable consumers to take single-use containers back and redeem a 20p deposit from any retailer selling drinks covered by the scheme, including plastic bottles made from PET plastic, aluminum and steel cans and glass bottles.
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament, Lorna Slater, the Scottish government's circular economy minister has said that the scheme "cannot go ahead as currently planned".
The scheme was due to start in August but was pushed back to March 2024.