Every organisation has a duty of care legal responsibility for the waste they create.
This means you must
- store waste correctly so it does not create a nuisance or hazard
- ensure waste is collected and disposed of by an authorised collector
- complete a waste transfer note for this waste and keep it for two years
- make sure your waste is recycled.
Zero Waste Scotland and Scottish Environment Protection Agency provide advice about duty of care.
Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme
Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers was due to begin in July 2022, but has been delayed until October 2025. This will be a new law introduced by the Scottish Government to reduce litter and encourage recycling.
If you are a shop, café or other business who sells drinks in clear plastic bottles and cans to drink away from your site, you’ll need to prepare to act as a collection point and arrange for these to be recycled. It will no longer include drinks sold in glass bottles, at least to begin with.
Find out the latest updates on Scotland's DRS on SEPA's website.