THE deposit return scheme has been a topic of contention in recent months, with uncertainty from the UK Government and local businesses. I can understand why it is best the launch is delayed until March 1 next year.

Scotland is facing a litter emergency and we must implement more measures to increase our recycling facilities and help achieve our net zero ambitions.

In principle, the deposit return scheme is designed to do that and will help reduce littering by a third.

I do not think any individuals or businesses are against helping Scotland reach its ambitions but I recognise areas of the proposed scheme have caused headaches for both businesses and the Scottish Government.

Regardless of what is being implemented, businesses must be at the forefront of it.

Their voices must be heard and any concerns properly addressed before any deposit return scheme goes ahead.

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In turn, the Scottish Government must also have certainty from the UK Government as to whether the deposit return scheme will be excluded from the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020.

The Scottish Government is still uncertain on this, despite it being raised with the UK Government back in 2021.

It shows Scotland is suffering at the hands of Westminster, which is once again undermining the democratic will of the Scottish Parliament, who voted to legislate this scheme.

 

 

Devolved governments are supposed to have the right to make choices best for their countries but it is difficult to do so when the UK Government consistently wants to block what is in the best interests of Scotland.

I welcome the proposed changes to the deposit return scheme set out last week by the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater MSP. However, let this just be the start of getting the scheme right. We must use this time now to listen to our businesses and readily prepare them.