Deposit return scheme is coming to Scotland
The scheme will reduce litter and help create a cleaner, greener future
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is a part of everyday life in many countries across the world but it is new to the UK. Scotland will be the first part of the UK to introduce the scheme.
This is a landmark move which will play a major part in Scotland’s move towards net-zero.
DRS Explained
DRS involves shoppers paying 20p extra – the deposit – for drinks sold in plastic bottles, cans or glass bottles. Putting a deposit on drinks encourages everyone to bring them back to places like local shops and supermarkets.
Like consumers, retailers and wholesalers pay the deposit, then receive it back, so that the overall cost for the scheme ultimately lands with the producers of the single-use containers.
Retailers
DRS puts retailers at the heart of delivering huge improvements for our environment. TOMRA is one of the world’s leading producers of the reverse vending machines which take bottles back. We want to ensure businesses are aware and prepared for the changes. Retailer handling fees in Scotland are thought to be the highest in Europe. Retailers will have questions and TOMRA can help to answer them.
Shoppers
The process for shoppers is simple: Return your bottles to a collection point and reclaim your deposit or get money off your shopping. This is a way in which every household can play a part in reducing litter, increasing recycling and improving our environment. TOMRA knows from its work around the world that DRS is simple. In the same way that we’re all now used to taking our reusable shopping bags to the supermarket, it will soon become part of everyday life to return our bottles and cans too.
DRS – The Impact
International evidence suggests that the Deposit Return Scheme could reduce litter by a third, thereby increasing Scotland’s chances of meeting our climate change targets. TOMRA’s experience across Europe suggests that the recycling return rate will be anywhere between 92% and 98%.
DRS – The Impact
International evidence suggests that the Deposit Return Scheme could reduce litter by a third, thereby increasing Scotland’s chances of meeting our climate change targets. TOMRA’s experience across Europe suggests that the recycling return rate will be anywhere between 92% and 98%.
About TOMRA
TOMRA was founded in 1972, based on the design, manufacturing and sale of reverse vending machines (RVMs) for automated collection of used beverage containers. Today TOMRA provides technology-led solutions that enable the circular economy with advanced collection and sorting systems, and food processing by employing sensor-based sorting and grading technology.
With an installed base of approximately 80,000 machines in over 60 markets, TOMRA Collection is the world’s leading provider of reverse vending solutions. Every year, TOMRA enables the collection of more than 45 billion empty cans and bottles and provides retailers and other customers with an effective and efficient way of collecting, sorting and processing these containers.