Deposit return Scheme (Preparations)
4. (North East Scotland)
(Con)
To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will
provide an update on what preparations it has made for the launch
of the Deposit return Scheme.
(S6O-02028)
Claire Baker (Scottish
Parliamentary Corporate Body)
The SPCB is continuing to review the requirements under the
Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020 and how
they apply to the restaurants, coffee bar and shop on the
Holyrood site. As part of the preparations, the Scottish
Parliament has registered as a producer with Circularity
Scotland, because we sell Scottish Parliament-branded whisky in
the shop.
At the moment, this Parliament’s waste is collected by a
Scotland-based small or medium-sized enterprise that follows the
highest environmental standard in waste management. However, when
the Deposit returnscheme
eventually launches, the contract to collect empty containers
will be handled by a large, multinational company that has been
fined for illegally dumping waste abroad. Has the minister in
charge of the scheme raised any concerns about that with the
corporate body? What will happen to the existing contract with
the SME provider?
Claire Baker
As the member will recognise, it is not appropriate for me to
comment on the debate that is on-going around the scheme. The
contract is made with Circularity Scotland, not with the Scottish
Parliament, so it is not for me to answer questions on that area.
The Scottish Parliament is striving to comply with the
regulations. We recognise that it is essential that all
businesses and organisations have clarity around some of the
issues.
Deposit return Scheme
(Preparations)
5. Brian Whittle (South
Scotland) (Con)
To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will
provide an update on what progress it has made in preparing for
the operation of the Deposit return scheme.
(S6O-02061)
Claire Baker (Scottish
Parliamentary Corporate Body)
I refer the member to my previous answer.
Brian Whittle
The Parliament has a public cafe and shop that will sell products
that are subject to Deposit return scheme
legislation. How will the public return those items to the
Parliament to redeem their deposit, especially when they cannot
re-enter the building with empty glass bottles? Will there
require to be a reverse vending machine outside Parliament? How
much will that cost?
Claire Baker
We are considering the need for reverse vending machines, which
would be leased or hired. It is likely that such machines will be
used initially for Parliament staff. We are still considering how
we will comply with the regulations under our responsibilities as
a producer in the public areas of the building. At the moment,
the costs are estimated. Once we have further information, we
will share it with members.
