Question reference: S5W-35204
- Asked by: Liz Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 15 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 23 February 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it still anticipates its deposit return scheme will be operational by July 2022.
Answer
The 1 July 2022 date set out in regulations was based on an assessment undertaken before the pandemic, but also allowed for some flexibility for businesses responding to the disruption it has caused.
We are continuing to monitor the impact of the pandemic on the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and we recognise the significant and unique pressures COVID-19 is putting on a number of areas of the beverages industry in particular.
We are continuing to take steps to support industry to drive forward implementation of DRS, for example by amending planning legislation so that, with limited exceptions, retailers installing a reverse vending machine will not need to apply for planning permission.