The deposit return scheme will see a 20p charge placed on single-use drinks containers. Credit: Jas Min via Unsplash.

The government of Scotland has delayed the implementation of its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) until at least October 2025.

The extension comes in response to the UK government’s refusal to agree to a full exclusion from the Internal Market Act, Scotland’s minister for Circular Economy Lorna Slater said.

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The UK government last week removed glass from the DRS’ specifications, as it wants the scheme to align with the other schemes across the rest of the UK.

The announcement from Slater marks the second delay to Scotland’s DRS in less than two months after the launch was postponed from March to August this year.

It comes closely after the UK government reportedly planned to block the launch in March this year.

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The DRS was initially scheduled for launch in April 2021 but was delayed until July 2022 following concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Once implemented, customers will be charged an extra 20p on single-use drinks containers made of polyethylene terephthalate plastic, steel, aluminium, or glass.

This deposit can then be redeemed when returning these bottles and cans for reuse.

Slater said: “As of today, it is now clear that we have been left with no other option than to delay the launch of Scotland’s DRS, until October 2025 at the earliest based on the UK government’s current stated aspirations.

“I remain committed to interoperable DRS schemes across the UK provided that we can work in a spirit of collaboration not imposition. I wrote again last night to the UK government, to urge ministers to reset a climate of trust and good faith to galvanise and retain the knowledge that has been built in Circularity Scotland and DRS partners in Scotland.

“This parliament voted for a Deposit Return Scheme. I am committed to a Deposit Return Scheme. Scotland will have a Deposit Return Scheme. It will come later than need be. It will be more limited than it should be. More limited than parliament voted for.”