What's happened
The UK's bottle deposit return scheme has been postponed until 2027, with glass bottles excluded. Scotland's DRS has also been delayed after SNP ministers removed glass from the scheme. The decision comes after failed talks to align the schemes across the UK.
Why it matters
The delay in implementing the bottle deposit return scheme in the UK and Scotland impacts environmental efforts and consumer recycling habits. The exclusion of glass bottles raises concerns about the effectiveness of the schemes and the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the government's admission of the delay and the exclusion of glass bottles, citing complexities for the drinks industry. The Scotsman discusses the SNP's concession to remove glass from Scotland's DRS after failed talks for a UK-wide scheme.
How we got here
The bottle deposit return scheme was initially planned to launch in 2024 but faced delays due to disagreements over including glass bottles. The UK government's decision to exclude glass aims to simplify the scheme, while Scotland's adjustment follows failed negotiations for a unified DRS.
Common question
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