The Deposit Return Scheme (Scotland) must be go-live ready, and fully operational, on 1st July 2022.
The rest of the UK is hoping to launch a Deposit Return Scheme in 2023.
A well-designed Deposit Return Scheme reduces littering, improves the quality and quantity of recycling, and plays a positive role in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
If you sell single use beverage containers in Scotland, yes, unless you meet very specific exemption criteria.
SEPA has powers under The Environmental Regulation (Enforcement Measures) (Scotland) Order 2015, including the power to impose fixed or variable criminal penalties for noncompliance (on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum of £10,000, or on indictment and conviction an unlimited fine).
The scheme is designed to be cost neutral for retailers. You will therefore receive a “handling fee” from the scheme administrator to reimburse you for the costs of playing your part in the Deposit Return Scheme.
A reasonable handling fee is defined in the legislation as: