Scottish First Minister (FM) Humza Yousaf has accused the UK government of trying to “scupper” Scotland’s deposit return scheme (DRS) by refusing to grant an exemption for glass.
On Saturday (27 May), the UK government announced it had agreed to a temporary exclusion from the UK Internal Market Act to enable the Scottish DRS to launch next year. However, the exclusion will only cover PET plastic, aluminium and steel cans, which means glass cannot be included in the scheme.
Speaking to the BBC, Yousaf said: “They’re not just trying to scupper the DRS – they’re trying to undermine devolution time and time again. We’ve seen it multiple times. It’s a pattern of behaviour.
“Not only is it bad in terms of devolution and self-government, it’s really poor for the environment. If we don’t include glass that’s 600 million bottles that won’t be removed from our streets, our beaches and our parks.”
Not only is it bad in terms of devolution and self-government, it’s really poor for the environment.
The UK government said it noted the impact on trade and consumer choice created by permanently different arrangements on glass within the UK internal market and concluded that there is “insufficient justification” for such an approach.
It also claimed that the inclusion of glass would add “cost and complexity” to the schemes across the UK, in particular to the hospitality and retail sectors, as well as inconveniencing consumers.
During Prime Minister’s Questions last week, Rishi Sunak suggested the SNP “reconsider” its DRS policy to “do their bit” to help consumers.
He said: “If the SNP wanted to do their bit, they could reconsider their DRS. It’s very clear what people have said – it will reduce choice and increase prices for consumers.”
It’s very clear what people have said – it will reduce choice and increase prices for consumers.
In response to the exclusion decision, the Scottish Greens accused the UK government of “environmental blackmail” and putting its party’s political agenda ahead of the environment and democracy.
Circular Economy Minister, Green MSP Lorna Slater also accused the UK government of trying to “undermine” the country’s DRS.
The Scottish Greens environment spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, said: “Rishi Sunak, Alister Jack and every other Tory MP was elected on a manifesto that pledged to create a DRS that included glass – now they are trying to stop Scotland from doing just that.
“At least 550 million glass bottles are sold in Scotland every year. Why wouldn’t we include them in a recycling scheme? It is not too late for the Prime Minister to recognise the importance of including glass and of upholding our democracy.”
Responding to the news, British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) Director General, Gavin Partington, commented: “Our members have made significant investments of money, resource and time since 2019 to prepare for the launch of DRS Scotland.
Surely the only viable option now is for all stakeholders to commit to launching DRS across the UK on the same timeframe.
“However, given the level of political uncertainty currently surrounding DRS Scotland, surely the only viable option now is for all stakeholders to commit to launching DRS across the UK on the same timeframe, October 2025.
“BSDA members remain committed to working with the UK government and devolved governments to help ensure DRS can be delivered effectively and efficiently for consumers and businesses alike.”
One condition of the exclusion is, before the Scottish scheme can launch, UK and devolved governments must agree on a maximum cap on deposit levels.
The temporary exclusion covers the time from the launch of the Scottish DRS until planned schemes are in place across the rest of the UK. The UK government says at that point there will be “maximum alignment and interoperability” as a “safeguard” for businesses and consumers.
