Back

DRS

Member of the Scottish Parliament McArthur hosts local Deposit Return Scheme roundtable

Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has brought together local businesses and community groups in Orkney to discuss the upcoming rollout of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

In a virtual roundtable event, there was an opportunity for some of those most directly affected by the introduction of DRS to hear from and put questions to the management team of Circularity Scotland, the body responsible for overseeing the rollout of DRS.  There was also discussion of plans to introduce an early ‘voluntary’ scheme in parts of Orkney later this year.

Scotland’s delayed deposit return scheme for drinks bottles and cans is set to be fully operational by August 2023, with a phased approach starting from November 2022.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr McArthur said:

"While we now know the broad timetable for introducing a deposit return scheme in Scotland, the detail about how it will work in practice remains unclear and subject to negotiation.  What is clear, however, is that implementing such a scheme in island areas, like Orkney, presents very specific challenges.

"It was encouraging, therefore, to hear Circularity Scotland, the organisation responsible for overseeing the introduction of DRS, acknowledging that a ‘one size fits all’ approach would not be appropriate.  Today’s roundtable offered a timely opportunity to discuss some of general issues relating to the proposed scheme, as well as questions that will need to be addressed in an Orkney or islands context.

"I am grateful to the local businesses and community groups who took the time to attend and contribute to the roundtable.  It was a useful discussion and their feedback has certainly provided Circularity Scotland and Zero Waste Scotland with plenty of food for thought.

"As the details of the scheme are being finalised, I want to make sure local businesses, groups and the wider public in Orkney are kept informed of developments.  That will be particularly important given plans to introduce a voluntary scheme in parts of Orkney later this year.  DRS has the potential to make a positive impact on the environment as well as reducing waste and litter, but only if the detailed implementation is right."

www.liammcarthur.org.uk

Advertisement
Piovan Nov_24
PETnology's Resource Guide
comPETence center

The comPETence center provides your organisation with a dynamic, cost effective way to promote your products and services.

Find out more

Cover
Our premium articles
comPETence
magazine

Find our premium articles, interviews, reports and more
in 3 issues in 2024.

Find out more
Current issue