HTA reaction to delay of Scotland's deposit return scheme

In response to today’s news (Tuesday, 18 April 2023) that Scotland's deposit return scheme will now not launch until March of next year, James Barnes, Chairman of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented:

“The Scottish Government’s decision to delay the introduction of the deposit return scheme (DRS) to 2024 is important and welcome. This movement of dates recognises the need to address fundamental challenges to the businesses that the DRS infrastructure and compliance costs and complexity will impact. For the HTA’s retailer members in Scotland who will be in the scope of such a scheme, they will welcome the chance to use this time now to review the policy and alternative options to delivering key environmental and recycling ambitions. Important lessons must be learned as the other UK nations look to introducing similar policies.”

HTA actively supports its members on their Sustainability journey, and more information can be found here: hta.org.uk/sustainability