DRS intends to make sure that at least 90% of recyclable drink containers are collected and kept out of the trash
Circularity Scotland announced Biffa as its official logistical service provider. (Credit: Biffa)
Circularity Scotland, a not-for-profit scheme administrator for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Scotland, has announced Biffa as its official logistical service provider.
DRS forms part of Scotland’s plan to combat climate change and develop a circular economy by minimising waste.
The scheme intends to make sure that at least 90% of recyclable drink containers are collected and kept out of the trash.
The agreement is anticipated to generate about 500 jobs in Scotland to assist in the gathering, sorting, and counting of items within the scope of the project.
It came after several months of close cooperation between the organisations as they move toward DRS coming operational in August next year.
With the new agreement, Biffa will be in charge of operating the bulking and counting facilities that will process waste for recycling as well as the task of collecting beverage bottles and cans each year from return points around Scotland.
All beverage manufacturers and retailers selling single-use beverage containers must participate in the Deposit Return Scheme beginning in August 2023.
All single-use PET plastic, aluminium, steel, or glass drinking containers with a capacity of 50ml to three litres will require a 20p deposit that is fully refundable.
Biffa chief executive officer Michael Topham said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to provide logistics, sorting and counting services for Scotland’s landmark Deposit Return Scheme.
“This appointment is testament to the strength of Biffa’s reputation as a sustainable waste management provider to complex markets, our extensive capabilities and world-leading recycling infrastructure.”
To support the programme and provide more job opportunities, Circularity Scotland is also collaborating with Biffa to explore the possibility of constructing a PET recycling facility in Scotland.
In May this year, Circularity Scotland secured £18m in funding from the Scottish National Investment Bank and the Bank of Scotland to assist the scheme’s initial set-up phase.