[3] The Scottish Government proposed a DRS in 2017 which would recycle single use containers made of PET plastic and aluminium to reduce litter and address environmental concerns.
All shops that sell drinks and also all producers would be required to accept all returned containers and pay deposits back to the consumer.
In November of that year, Slater announced a second delay so she could continue to work with producers to "agree a final timescale and clear milestones for delivery".
[10] Critics argued the scheme would put undue pressure on small retailers as many would not have the staff nor the space to handle returned containers.
[16] Scottish Ministers accused the UK Government of sabotage, showing an "utter disregard for devolution"[17] and announced a delay to 2025 to coincide with the proposed UK-wide scheme.
Following the announcement of the delay, major drinks firms including the producers of Irn-Bru, Red Bull and Coca-Cola pulled their financial support for Circularity Scotland Ltd citing "ongoing political uncertainty".
[22] In May 2024, it was confirmed that Biffa had lodged a claim for compensation from the Scottish Government at the Court of Session and named the former Circular Economy minister Slater in the action.