Net Zero Secretary comments on order for deposit return scheme administrator in Scotland

Scottish Ministers have laid an order before the Scottish Parliament, asking for approval for UK Deposit Management Organisation Limited to be designated as the administrator for a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Scotland. 

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said:

“Establishing a deposit return scheme in Scotland has been a long-running and consistent commitment of the Scottish Government.

“A deposit return scheme will reduce the litter on our streets, increase the recycling of drinks containers and support our net zero ambitions.

“Scottish Ministers have decided that UK Deposit Management Organisation Limited should be designated as the scheme administrator for Scotland, and have laid before the Scottish Parliament the draft Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland (Designation of Scheme Administrator) Order 2025, which requires approval by the Parliament before taking effect.  

“This decision marks an important milestone as we progress towards launching the scheme in October 2027. We will continue to engage constructively with UK DMO Ltd, industry and the other nations across the UK to support the delivery of a successful deposit return scheme.”

Background

More information: Deposit return scheme - Managing waste - gov.scot