Why Scotland’s flagship recycling scheme could end up in the bin

The plan to launch a recycling initiative in Scotland looks in danger of being canned after an intervention by Westminster, writes Sean O’Grady

The Scottish and UK governments are in deadlock over the matter (PA)

A troubled deposit return scheme (DRS) in Scotland for plastic drinks bottles and cans stands in danger of collapse after the British government said it can only be implemented if it excludes glass containers – a stipulation that, if agreed to, would render the scheme substantially less viable.

The UK and Scottish governments appear to be in deadlock over the issue. The first minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, has written to the British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, saying that the UK government’s decision effectively to remove glass containers from the scheme has put the whole plan in “grave danger”.

If it goes live as planned in March 2024, the deposit return scheme will see a 20p charge incorporated in the price of certain drinks, which would be refunded to consumers on the return of the bottle or can in a bid to increase recycling. It was originally due to be introduced in July 2022.