S U S TA I N
DEPOSIT RET
AC
DRS ‘must be cost neutral’ for local shops THE ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES HAS SET OUT THE DETAILS OF HOW A DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IN ENGLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND TO ENSURE IT IS WORKABLE FOR LOCAL SHOPS AND DOES NOT LEAVE THEM OUT OF POCKET.
A
CS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has outlined its vision for how the forthcoming deposit return scheme (DRS) should be introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that it is both workable and cost-neutral for local shops. A deposit return scheme is currently scheduled to be introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by late 2024, following the introduction of a scheme in Scotland in 2022. DEFRA is currently consulting on the details of the scheme, including which containers are included in the scheme, which businesses should be required to take back containers, and whether different nations should have separate schemes. In its submission to DEFRA’s latest consultation on the implementation of DRS, the ACS has called for the introduction of the following measures as part of the design of the scheme: Schemes across the UK should align as closely as possible to avoid the possibility of fraud and confusion from customers
12 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 59 / WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021
A strategically mapped set of return points, as opposed to forcing every location that sells drinks to also take back containers Where small stores have limited sales and storage space, they should be able to apply for an exemption from DRS For hygiene and safety reasons, no retailer should be forced to take back containers manually The scheme should be cost neutral for retailers through fair setting of the handling fee Glass should not be included within the scheme. ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Local shops have an important role to play in the introduction of a deposit return scheme, which can be successful in driving recycling rates if it is introduced without adversely impacting retailers. For a scheme to be sustainable and supported by retailers, the handling fee must be fair and tailored to the size and operational requirements of the store, resulting in the scheme being cost neutral for retailers that take part.”
