Deposit Return Scheme in Practice FAQs

The scheme administrator will confirm specific requirements on ways to store returned containers. 

However, in practical terms, there will be two basic routes to do this. The first is “manual” - this works by manually collecting containers into bags or crates (or similar), which are then collected by the scheme administrator. The individual member of staff will be required to check the container is a complete deposit bearing container by a registered producer.

The second is “automatic” – this works by automatically collecting containers by a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). RVMs automatically scans containers when they are returned by consumers, checks it for being a complete deposit-bearing container by a registered producer, and then issues the deposit back to the consumer. The collected materials are then stored by the machine and collected by the administrators of the scheme for recycling.  

It is your choice as to which route is best for each of your outlets.

Deposit Return Scheme in Practice FAQs

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Once registered, you will be able to arrange collections via the scheme administrator, who will co-ordinate overall delivery schedules across Scotland.

The scheme administrator may do this through dedicated collections or possibly backhauling. Collection frequency will vary by location depending on the usual practicalities – probably not dissimilar to your existing waste recovery service.

Deposit Return Scheme in Practice FAQs

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You are only obliged to take back containers that are empty, identifiable as scheme packaging, intact, and not soiled.

Deposit Return Scheme in Practice FAQs

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Yes. For manual return points a missing bottle top is irrelevant to bottle recognition itself.

If you choose to use an RVM, containers without lids may not be recognised (depending on the RVM and measures it puts in place to mitigate fraud.) For example, if your make of RVM checks the weight of a container, a missing lid will mean that the weight isn’t what we have registered.

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The volume of containers returned must reasonable and proportionate in relation to the average containers that retailer sells in a transaction. For example, a small convenience store would not be obliged to accept a consumer who turns up with a lorry load of empty bottles, unlikely though that is! 

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Advice will in time be provided by the scheme administrator.

The responsibility for sourcing is that of the retailers. There are several RVM manufacturers and models to choose from, as well a range of financing options.

One such manufacturer is TOMRA is the largest manufacturer in the reverse vending market, collecting 35 billion containers annually across more than 60 markets.

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Consumers must be able to get their deposit back. Retailers can supplement cash with other choices, including digital payment. Retailers may also be able to incorporate other more sophisticated options including enabling consumers to donate their deposit direct to a charity. Retailers may also use RVMs for branding (retailer corporate, supplier banding or general sustainability branding) and to issue supplementary coupons for in-store promotions, etc. 

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Yes. Everyone involved in the Deposit Return Scheme recognises the scale of the change involved and therefore the inspiration, information and education effort required to make it a success.

There will be a mass consumer education campaign, and you can also expect the scheme administrator to help provide information and tools. SEPA will also provide a role in publicising compliance requirements.

Deposit Return Scheme in Practice FAQs

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