The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has released a step-by-step guide to help drinks producers be ready for Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) when registration opens in 12 weeks.
If businesses make or import drinks for sale to consumers in Scotland, there are producer obligations that need to be complied with under the new Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020, including registering to be part of the scheme.
Part of the new guidance brings together a range of resources to help producers understand if their drinks are covered by the scheme and the next steps they need to take, as well as understand their obligations under the Regulations. The steps producers need to take to register are also detailed.
For retailers, wholesalers and hospitality businesses, the Regulations mean making sure any drinks they sell in Scotland are from a registered producer and charging the deposit on each drink. They may also have to operate a return point or offer a takeback service, collecting empty containers for recycling and return deposits to consumers.
SEPA will regulate the scheme and is responsible for the producer registration service, which opens in three months’ time in January 2023.
“It is important businesses prepare for DRS now. We’re here to help and our latest guidance sets out what producers need to do to prepare for registration,” Kath McDowall, SEPA’s Unit Manager for the Deposit Return Scheme, said.
“This includes information on routes to register, a guide to help determine which drinks are part of the scheme and operational plan guidance.”
