Orkney's MSP to host local roundtable on Deposit Return Scheme

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, will host a second roundtable for local stakeholders on Monday 7 November to discuss the rollout of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Orkney.

The roundtable will offer local stakeholders the opportunity to questions senior representatives from Circularity Scotland and ZeroWaste Scotland about how DRS will work in practice.

Orkney's MSP previously held a roundtable earlier this year following confirmation that Scotland’s delayed deposit return scheme for drinks bottles and cans is set to be fully operational by August 2023. The roundtable next month will coincide with the launch of an initial 'voluntary' scheme in Orkney which will see a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) installed at a location in Kirkwall.

Mr McArthur is inviting any local businesses or community groups interested in joining the virtual session to please sign-up by contacting the local constituency office on 01856 876541 or msp@msporkney.com

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"With the deposit return scheme due to go live next summer, I know there are still many questions and concerns that businesses and the wider public have about how the scheme will work in practice. That is particularly the case in an island setting where there are additional challenges, complications and costs.

"It is important, therefore, that local businesses, community groups and members of the public in Orkney have an input into the process ahead of final decisions being made. So I’m grateful to Circularity Scotland and ZeroWaste Scotland for accepting my invitation to take part in a further roundtable which will allow local stakeholders to hear about the latest developments and raise any concerns and questions with those responsible for overseeing the rollout.

"Of course, Orkney is set to play host to a voluntary deposit return scheme from next month. Hopefully this can help the public better understand what is involved. However, the scope of the voluntary Kirkwall-based scheme is more limited, meaning that it is unlikely to shed light on some of the more challenging aspects of rolling out DRS in the islands.

"Ultimately, the deposit return scheme can only achieve its potential if we get the details right for all communities. I hope this roundtable can help make this happen and would encourage any local businesses or community groups interested in attending, or seeking more information on DRS, to please get in touch."