TOMRA welcomes the passing of Scotlands deposit return scheme into law

“We are delighted that the final legislation for Scotland’s deposit return scheme has now been approved by the Scottish Parliament” said Managing Director of TOMRA Collection Solutions UK & Ireland, Truls Haug. “This ambitious, wide-ranging DRS confirms Scotland’s place at the forefront of the circular economy. At a time when the world is changing in many ways, it is important that we continue to take steps to safeguard the planet for the future. This landmark DRS will see Scotland become the first part of the UK to implement a DRS, and the model is one to aspire to.”

The ‘return to retailer’ scheme will place a 20p refundable deposit on drinks containers and will include glass, as well as PET bottles, steel and aluminium cans. This provides the basis for a scheme that could help see the return of over 90% of drinks containers for recycling within just two years of being introduced.

The scheme is set to roll out in July 2022, with a system operator to be introduced shortly to manage the set up and maintenance of the scheme.

“We look forward to working with all parties to help ensure a successful launch. We fully appreciate that in the current climate, retailers, producers and the public must have sufficient time to prepare. Caring for our planet and each other has never been more important. Scotland is truly doing its part to help turn off the tap to plastic pollution, and we encourage the rest of the UK to adopt a similar scheme as quickly as possible.”

TOMRA has almost 50 years of experience with deposit return schemes and has reverse vending machines in over 60 markets, collecting more than 40 billion used beverage containers each year. TOMRA has already operated a number of deposit return trials with retailers across the UK and is ready to assist businesses as they prepare themselves for the introduction of the scheme.