Biffa to deploy £80m investment encouraging Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme for beverage packages

Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), in collaboration with their logistics service partner, Biffa, will introduce 140 new job opportunities in Motherwell. Biffa will invest almost £80 million to formulate an infrastructure suitable for rallying out the scheme. This will largely help collect, sort and recycle plastic, glass and aluminium beverage packaging options in the area.

This investment will be crucial in restructuring the once-parcel depot at the Eurocentral industrial park into a high-technology equipped recycling centre.

Packaging solution providers that contribute almost 95 per cent of Scotland's containers and packaging modules have already registered for this noble drive. SEPA, the programme's conductor, has declared registrations will remain open until the official launch of the Deposit Return Scheme on August 16, 2023. New registrars would be allowed to enlist until the opening ceremony.

After the launch of the DRS scheme, the Motherwell site will be incorporated as a portion of the Biffa-operated network of units spread all around Scotland. These units are solely responsible for collecting, sorting and baling excessive amounts of plastic, glass and aluminium beverage packages.

The baled aluminium cube is then sent in for rigorous recycling processes as aluminium can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing the non-ferrous metal's original properties. Recycling aluminium releases less carbon than primary aluminium production, and aluminium cans or bottles usually comprise the best-quality aluminium.

This newly opened DRS facility will induce 140 new employment chances, ranging from HGV drivers to weighbridge operators, from multi-skilled labourers to managers. It is estimated that Biffa will create almost 500 jobs in Scotland with the introduction of this DRS facility.

Gavin Money, Biffa's DRS Operations Director, said: "We are working closely with Circularity Scotland and progressing well with the exciting and ambitious plans for the launch of DRS in Scotland, which will see new recycling infrastructure developed across the country.

"The Motherwell site will play a key role as a regional collection and counting hub, handling some of the billions of plastic, glass and metal drinks containers collected each year from across Scotland."

David Harris, Circularity Scotland's Chief Executive, said: "This is another important milestone in preparing for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme in August. The DRS will transform how Scotland recycles, preventing billions of bottles and cans each year from ending up as waste. This is a ground-breaking initiative that can act as a catalyst for the green economy in Scotland, creating jobs and supporting local economies while also helping protect our environment for generations to come."

Beginning on August 16, all the major beverage producers and importers, alongside each person selling single-use drink containers, would be encouraged to participate in the Deposit Return Scheme. Participants can easily exchange single-use 50ml to three litres PET plastic, steel, glass or aluminium packaging solutions for a pre-decided rate of 20p each.

Through this elaborative scheme, the Scottish people can deposit used plastic or aluminium cans and bottles at various shops across the country in future. Some of the stores and shops would encourage over-the-table bottle collection. In contrast, large community places like malls, markets and shopping centres would feature reverse vending machines that accept used packages automatically.