Friends of the Earth Scotland said the scheme being delayed till 2022 could have wider implications for climate targets
Concerns have been raised over the delay to a scheme which aims to reduce plastic use in Scotland.
The Scottish Government this week (Wednesday 13 May) passed revised regulations on the Deposit Return Scheme, which will mean it will not be operational until July 2022, 15 months after it was due to begin.
Under the initiative, people will be able to return a container to shops in return for a 20p fee which will be paid when a drink is purchased.
Environmental charity Friends of the Earth Scotland has expressed concern at the effect the delay will have on wider climate ambitions.
Plastic and circular economy campaigner Sarah Moyes said: “While we understand that we are facing an unprecedented situation right now, the political decision to delay the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme was taken prior to the beginning of the restrictions arising in relation to Covid-19.
“This 15 month delay risks not only an increase in plastic pollution in Scotland, but since the Deposit Return Scheme is a crucial step towards reducing our climate emissions, it will make it more difficult to meet the government’s 2030 target of reducing emissions by 75%.
“Plastic pollution is an environmental emergency which risks getting worse due to coronavirus with a resurgence in single-use plastics. It is vital that as we come out of this pandemic, we take strong political action to prevent us from reversing the positive long-term gains we have already secured in the battle against plastic pollution.”
In March, environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham confirmed the decision to delay the scheme was made to help businesses focus on the pandemic.
She said: "Our deposit return scheme will be the first national scheme of its type operating in the UK.
"By including a wide range of materials, including glass, and setting a deposit of 20p, we are giving the people of Scotland a clear and straightforward way to do their bit for the environment.
"Having listened to the views of stakeholders, I have agreed to extend the 'go-live' date from April 2021 to July 2022."
