Scottish MSPs have acknowledged convenience stores do not have the space for a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
The MSPs on the influential Environmental Sub Group in the Scottish Parliament noted that one of the central barriers to such a scheme was the “lack of space for DRS collection facilities in smaller shops or independent retailers”.
They also questioned whether there was “enough packaging in the litter stream” to justify a DRS and asked whether it was sustainable option.
The MSPs’ report said the quality of recyclable material must be to a high standard for DRS to be profitable and sustainable.
It said 30-40% of plastic packaging was unusable material for a DRS because of cross contamination.
James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said the trade group would continue to make the case for an effective litter strategy that focused on making the most of existing kerbside recycling facilities.
“We are pleased that the committee has acknowledged one of the significant challenges that DRS present for retailers. Our most recent polling has suggested that 71% either simply do not have space in their stores for a deposit return scheme or would have to make changes to their stores to make space.”
Pete Cheema, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation said DRS was not the right solution for Scotland. “Investing in kerbside is best for retailers, consumers and the environment,” he added.
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