Scotland delays bottle and can return scheme after intense industry lobbying

Launch of deposit return scheme, which would have been a UK first, pushed back until summer 2023

The launch of the UK's first bottle and can deposit return scheme has been delayed until the summer of 2023 after Scottish ministers bowed to intense lobbying from major retailers and drinks companies.

Scotland's deposit return scheme was due to start in July next year, in an effort to cut plastic waste, boost recycling and reduce littering by introducing a mandatory but refundable 20p deposit on all bottles and cans sold in shops.