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Biffa appointed to manage Scotland’s DRS

At the end of last year, Scottish minister Lorna Slater said trials would start on a voluntary basis in stores this summer

drs delays deposit return scheme

Biffa has been appointed official logistics provider for Scotland’s deposit return scheme (DRS), Better Retailing understands.

An industry source said Biffa will be responsible for the infrastructure of sorting centres, and arranging container collections from stores.

The move comes a month after scheme administrator Circularity Scotland Limited (CSL) hired accounting firm PwC to set the commission participating stores should receive when the scheme is launched on 16 August 2023. A source confirmed PwC had already begun “engaging with retailers” through store visits, and will soon be asking them to provide a business estimation of costs.

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At the end of last year, Scottish minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity Lorna Slater said trials would start in stores this summer on a voluntary basis.

However, Scottish Grocers Federation’s (SGF) head of policy and public affairs John Lee told Better Retailing a meeting to discuss this was cancelled in December, and Slater had refused to set a new date.

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A spokesperson for the Scottish government responded: “Rollout of our ambitious DRS is being led by CSL. To support delivery of the scheme, we have established a system-wide assurance group made up of key industry representatives, including the SGF.

“The group met for the first time in January and will meet regularly as delivery progresses.”

Read more deposit return scheme (DRS) news and advice

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