Iceland boss Richard Walker has slammed the Scottish government for “blindly pursuing the roll out of a Deposit Return System”.
In a tweet, the newly appointed executive chairman of the frozen food retailer, warned unless operational issues are “immediately resolved”, it will lead to “much higher prices”.
The scheme, which involves consumers receiving a small cash fee for any bottles returned to ‘reverse vending machines’ in supermarkets, looks to dramatically reduce litter and plastic pollution in England.
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However, Walker added that the move will also result in reduced choice and more plastic in Scotland.
Despite warnings from everyone within the industry, the Scottish government is blindly pursuing the roll-out of a Deposit Return System by August. Unless operational issues are immediately resolved, it will lead to much higher prices, reduced choice and MORE plastic for Scotland.
— Richard Walker (@icelandrichard) February 7, 2023
Last month, environmental minister at Defra Rebecca Pow said: “We want to support people who want to do the right thing to help stop damaging plastics polluting our green spaces or floating in our oceans and rivers.”
“That is why we are moving ahead using our powers from our landmark Environment Act to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers.”
Pow added: “This will provide a simple and effective system across the country that helps people reduce litter and recycle more easily, even when on the move.”
