DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME: MORE THAN 500 SIGN LETTER OPEN LETTER As reported by OnTrade Scotland

“The Deposit Return Scheme will have a ‘catastrophic impact’ on both businesses and consumers in its current form

We along with 520 other business leaders have signed an open letter calling for the Scottish Government to delay its flagship drinks recycling scheme beyond next summer.

We believe strongly The Deposit Return Scheme will have a “catastrophic impact” on both businesses and consumers in its current form and should be “paused, revised and rewritten”.

In their letter, they warn the circular economy minister Lorna Slater that some drink firms could be forced to close due to the administrative costs associated with the scheme. The initiative will require shoppers to pay an extra 20p when buying drinks in cans and bottles, with the fee being refunded when they return the empty containers for recycling.

It was originally due to launch in April last year, but its start date has been pushed back twice and it is now due to begin on 16 August 2023.”