McArthur urges Ministers to pause Deposit Return Scheme

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has urged the Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater to pause the launch of Deposit Return Scheme "to avoid damaging businesses, public confidence and the case for DRS itself" as concerns mount over the deliverability of the scheme later this year.

Mr McArthur's plea follows reports this week that 600 producers across the country have shared serious concerns about the likely impact of the scheme and warnings from legal experts that DRS may create an unlawful trade barrier with the rest of the UK. Producers are required to register by March 1 or face their products being banned from sale in Scotland altogether.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament earlier, Mr McArthur highlighted the concerns of producers in Orkney where "the logistical challenges of DRS are even greater" than elsewhere in the country. He went onto question Ms Slater saying, "Now it is clear those questions can't be answered in the timeframe set, can I urge the Minister to think about pausing the scheme to avoid damaging businesses, public confidence and even the case for DRS itself?" In response, Ms Slater insisted that the scheme in Scotland will go live on the 16 August this year.

Over the past year or so, Mr McArthur has worked closely with local producers, retailers and other stakeholders in Orkney, including hosting two round tables, to seek greater clarity from Circularity Scotland and ZeroWaste Scotland about how logistical challenges will be overcome in the islands.

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

"With the date for implementing the deposit return scheme looming ever closer, it is increasingly clear that vital questions remain about how this scheme would function in practice.

"Without that clarity and deadlines looming for registering with the scheme, it is difficult to see how Ministers can simply allow this to proceed on a wing and a prayer. The financial liability businesses take on if they sign up in the coming weeks is significant. If they opt out, many face being unable to sell their products in Scotland. That is no choice at all.

"These concerns are being expressed by businesses across Scotland, but there are obviously particular challenges in implementing the scheme in island areas.

"I have worked hard over the past year to shine a light on these challenges to Ministers, Circularity Scotland and ZeroWaste Scotland by bringing them together with local businesses and community groups. However, even at this late stage, key questions remain unanswered and alarm bells are now being rung loud and clear.

"To avoid inversible damage to businesses, public confidence and even the case for DRS itself the Scottish Government must look now at pausing the scheme. That is a case that now has genuine cross-party support in parliament. It is important that Ministers heed the warnings before we pass the point of no return!"