Scottish Government: Net Zero Secretary responds to delay to UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme

UK Government ministers have today confirmed that a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme will be delayed until October 2027. 

Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan said: 

“It's extremely disappointing but perhaps unsurprising that the UK Government has failed to make progress and is delaying the UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) even further to October 2027.

"This comes less than a year after their inexplicable, last minute intervention prevented Scotland's scheme from launching.

"Deposit return schemes have been shown across Europe to reduce litter, cut emissions and build a greener and more circular economy. Scotland would be enjoying these benefits by now if it wasn't for the UK Government's reckless actions. Indeed, just recently, independent and successful Ireland launched a similar scheme. This is a clear example of where the UK is holding Scotland back in tackling the climate emergency."