Producers responsible for more than 95% of the containers sold in Scotland have now registered for the nation's new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
Scheme administrator Circularity Scotland confirmed that by midnight on 28 February, producers responsible for more than two billion recyclable drinks containers had registered for the scheme.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the scheme’s regulator, also confirmed that registration will remain open to enable all producers to sign up in time for the launch of the DRS on 16 August.
Around 26,000 products from a range of sectors, including global soft drinks, craft brewers, wine importers and distilleries, have been registered with the scheme.
Circularity Scotland chief executive David Harris said: “I would like to warmly welcome and thank all those producers who have registered for the scheme and emphasise that our team of experts are on hand to continue supporting registration.
“We’ve never underestimated the challenge of delivering a scheme which requires the support of so many Scottish businesses.
“I would encourage those producers who have begun their registration to complete it as soon as possible and can assure those producers who have yet to sign up, that we have people on hand to support them through the process.”
Today also marks the start of another milestone in the scheme, with the opening of registration for return point operators.
These are anyone which provides a service for the collection of recyclable PET plastic, metal and glass containers included in Scotland’s scheme and refunds consumers’ deposits.
This service can range from accepting returns over the counter and refunding consumers’ deposits from the till, to operating a reverse vending machine which will automatically accept containers and refund deposits as vouchers.
Most retailers and hospitality businesses that sell drinks to take away are legally required to operate a return point. This includes online retailers of drinks.
However, they can apply for an exemption based on proximity to other return points or environmental health reasons. This is being managed by Zero Waste Scotland.
The Scottish Greens' environment spokesperson Mark Ruskell said: “After all of the scaremongering and the misinformation we have seen from the Tories and others, this is a phenomenal registration rate, and shows a huge vote of confidence in Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
“Everyone can see the cans and bottles that are blighting our streets and our communities, and the desperate need for this scheme.
“That is why I am delighted that so many businesses from all across Scotland are preparing for the scheme - everyone in Scotland can be confident that the majority of brands and retailers in the weekly shop are participating.”
Scottish Labour net zero spokesperson Colin Smyth said: “Lorna Slater is shamelessly dodging the most basic questions in an attempt to spin her own failure and won't even say what proportion of Scotland's drinks producers have signed up.
“This meaningless statement has raised far more questions than answers and left producers in the dark.
"The Minister can't even tell us what the final deadline for registrations is or whether there be a delay for small producers.”
Nicola Sturgeon has urged businesses to sign up to the DRS – despite opposition politicians declaring it is now “almost inevitable” that the initiative will have to be delayed.
Lorna Slater, the minister in charge of introducing the scheme, stressed it is “on track” to be introduced in the summer, and the First Minister “strongly encouraged” drinks producers to register.
However two of the candidates vying to replace her as first minister have said they would delay its introduction.
As the issue was raised in Holyrood on Tuesday, Slater insisted that the scheme remains on course, but Scottish Conservative Maurice Golden said: “However much the minister wants to pretend otherwise, the reality is a delay is now almost inevitable at some point.”
He accused Slater of “presiding over a car crash”, and added: “Businesses are staring ruin the face while the minister seems to be closing her eyes, crossing her fingers and hoping for the best.“
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, who is running to succeed Sturgeon, has claimed the scheme will result in “economic carnage” for business and has backed calls to pause it.
Ash Regan, another of the candidates for first minister, vowed she too would delay its introduction, while third contender Humza Yousaf has said he would give small businesses an exemption from its first year of operation.
Drinks producers have until midnight on Tuesday to sign up for the scheme, which will see shoppers have to pay an additional 20p for every drink they buy in a can, glass or plastic bottle – with this cash returned when the empty container is returned for recycling.
Slater conceded the launch of the scheme is “not easy”, but she insisted DRS will be “transformational” and will help increase recycling and reduce litter.
She also called on the UK Government to make a decision “as soon as possible” on whether DRS will be exempted from the Internal Market Act.
Discussions with Westminster on this began in 2021, Slater said, with the minister adding: “Given these are longstanding plans, that will make an important contribution to our climate change and recycling targets, and will give businesses the clarity they need, I expect a decision from the UK Government on this matter as soon as possible.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has hinted the UK Government might not agree to a UK Internal Market Act exemption for the scheme.
Sturgeon has now written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the issue.
The First Minister said: “Scotland’s scheme will be a major part of our efforts to reduce litter, cut emissions and build a greener, more circular economy.
“Good progress is being made by industry ahead of the scheme’s introduction on 16 August and I am aware of the significant private investment that has already been made by many businesses to be ready for the scheme, and the many jobs that are being created to operate it.
“I would strongly encourage drinks producers to register with the scheme administrator Circularity Scotland.
“This is a vital step to ensuring everyone who needs to be is compliant with the regulations and is the best way to make sure that their products can be sold without issue in Scotland.”
Jack said: “No UK Government ministers have received a formal request setting out the scope and rationale for a UKIM exemption for the Scottish Government’s desposit return scheme.
“Should such a request be received, it will be considered by the relevant Whitehall departments.
“As I have set out previously, the bar for a UKIM exemption is very high.”
Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “The statement on the Deposit Return Scheme has completely ignored concerns from Scottish firms - our call was to pause the scheme and redesign it with the business community and that call has been rejected by the minister.
“It’s been clear to the business community for some time that operating this poorly designed scheme in its current form is impossible and is adding unnecessary cost pressures on businesses.
“We are not alone in voicing our concerns, all three candidates for the Scottish National Party leadership have expressed their reservations too.
“It is abundantly clear to all involved that the roll-out of the scheme has to be paused immediately and then reviewed in partnership with the business community.“
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