DRS scheme delayed

The launch of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been delayed until at least October 2025, bringing relief to the country's out of home outlets. Originally due for introduction in March 2024, the Scottish government has said that the postponement is a consequence of the UK government’s refusal to agree a full exclusion from the Internal Market Act.

The UK government recently imposed a number of conditions on the scheme, including the removal of glass and the requirement to align aspects of the scheme with schemes across the UK – none of which exist at the moment or have regulations in place. Following consultations with key businesses, ministers have concluded that certainty on critical elements of the scheme cannot be provided to businesses until the UK government publishes more detail.

"Hospitality businesses across Scotland will be breathing a huge sigh of relief on hearing this news," said UKHospitality Scotland executive director Leon Thompson. "The DRS, even before recent UK government interventions, was not ready to launch in March and businesses had made that clear to the Scottish government. Evidently, those interventions have made the prospect of launch impossible. 

"This is the third delay to the scheme, and it is imperative that there is now a joined-up approach from all governments. It’s crucial that there is maximum alignment and interoperability across all schemes, to make things as simple as possible for businesses."

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