Interoperability is a must for implementing high-performing DRS, says Alupro

With October 2025 being envisaged as the earliest feasible 'go live' date for the Scottish deposit return scheme (DRS), the scheme's implementation will likely be coordinated with similar ideas for other regions of the UK. Commenting on this announcement Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, highlighted the importance of interoperability.

He said interoperability across nearby countries - for the correct scheme - is quite welcome when deploying a well-designed and high-performing DRS. Ensuring compatibility reduces burden and risk while increasing total effect, engagement, and return.

"Following this week's announcement, our focus must move quickly to optimising scheme design. A variable deposit rate, to this end, is therefore non-negotiable. It supports the use of recyclable packaging (such as aluminium) – an important win for the environment, while also better-incentivising consumers to participate in the scheme with higher deposits for larger plastic bottles. By doing so, a variable rate fee has the best opportunity to drive an uplift in recycling rates," added Tom Giddings.

While the scheme was set to launch in March of next year, the Scottish Government has reportedly come under pressure from Westminster to drop the inclusion of glass containers in its plans to charge a 20p deposit on a variety of drinks containers, with customers able to claim the deposit back when returning the used packaging to a dedicated recycling collection point.

"With time now more on our side, collaboration is key. The supply chain and Government need to work closely together to ensure Scotland's DRS is not only objectively designed, but also effectively aligned to other neighbouring nations. In the intervening period, there is still plenty of work to do to increase recycling rates within existing systems. As always, we'll be getting on with that crucial job."

Because of the current delay, the debut of Scotland's programme is expected to coincide with the launch of similar efforts planned in other areas of the UK that will include aluminium cans and plastic bottles but will controversially omit glass bottles.