Controversy over Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland

Scottish ministers are likely to yield to pressure from the UK government regarding a can and bottle recycling scheme. The Scottish government is expected to accept the UK’s demand to exclude glass bottles from the scheme, despite previous accusations of “deliberate sabotage.”

The UK government threatened to permit the Scottish scheme to proceed only if it aligns with the English scheme, which covers only plastic bottles and cans, in line with post-Brexit internal trade rules. The ultimatum has sparked concerns about increased environmental costs and breaches of manifesto promises.