Plastic DRS recycle plan may affect glass returns

Scotland’ s new depositreturn system (DRS) for drinks containers could cut glass recycling and increase plastic usage, industry experts claim.

The Scottish Government has announced plans to include glass packaging in the new DRS, due to be rolled out by 2021.

The decision came despite pleas from manufacturers to exclude it to avoid extra running costs of £50 million.

Now representatives from membership body British Glass argue that the move will see the current UK glass collection rate drop from 67 per cent to 60 per cent, while increased costs for retailers and brands will spark a switch to more plastic packaging.

They also warn the new system could hit the Scottish drinks sector, potentially resulting in plant closures and job losses.