Following yesterday’s revelations in The Grocer that legal action against the Scottish Government is being threatened in order to delay or stop the introduction of DRS, The Fed’s political engagement team thought members might appreciate an update on the progress towards DRS.
Firstly, The Fed is clear that we oppose any attempt to further delay the scheme. Retailers need certainty so they can plan for the future, not years of uncertainty as points that should have been agreed around the table with Circularity Scotland, the scheme administrator, are haggled over in court.
Our response to The Grocer’s story can be found here: https://thefedonline.com/news/independent-retailers-shocked-at-call-for-judicial-review-against-drs/
The Fed is a part of Circularity Scotland (CSL), playing a full part in the decision making processes and seeing first hand the progress that is being made towards having the scheme up and running in August 2023.
Biffa has been appointed as the preferred supplier of the back haul and counting centre operations. This is a key service for retailers and we are in contact with them to discuss the needs of independent retailers. To be successful the scheme needs a backhaul system that is robust.
Biffa will be attending both out Scottish Conference at the end of March and our annual Conference in June.
RLG has been appointed to provide the schemes IT services.
PWC are currently modelling the handing fee that retailers will receive for every in scheme bottle they take back. When the amount is announced, we will be able to start talking to members about the economics of manual take back versus a reverse vending machine. We are talking to RVM manufacturers about the cost of the machines. CSL have also published the required specifications for RVMs, so another part of the jigsaw falls into place.
As part of our commitment to responsible retailing, The Fed has been involved in the issue of DRS since the beginning, over five years ago. We will continue to keep members up to date with what is happening and what you need to do and to work to ensure that the scheme works for retailers. For the moment members only need to be aware that they will need to find space for either and RVM or the bags and boxes being used for manual take back. If you are considering a refurbishment of your store, you might want to take this into account.
Should you have any questions, please email our head of political engagement at Adrian.roper@nfrn.org.uk.
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