Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland (Amendment) Regulations 2025: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

Conclusion

7. As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all UNCRC requirements, what is the potential overall impact of this proposal on children’s rights?

Applicable answer: Positive and neutral.

The assessment has identified that while the proposal does not have a direct impact on children rights, there are both neutral and positive impacts. For the reasons outlined in Q2 the changed start date of the scheme and the types of drinks containers collected, is expected to have a neutral impact on children and young people.

The evidence gathered and analysed against the UNCRC requirements indicates that once implemented, DRS has the potential for a positive overall impact on children’s rights.

8. If you have identified a positive impact on children’s rights, please describe below how the proposal will protect, respect, and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland.

DRS has the potential to positively impact children’s rights in Scotland by contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment, which is fundamental to their wellbeing and development.

By promoting cleaner environments through reduced litter and increased recycling, DRS supports Article 6 (the right to life, survival, and development) and Article 24 (the right to health). Cleaner parks, beaches, and public spaces provide safer areas for children to play, explore, and learn, fostering their physical and mental wellbeing. Additionally, improved environmental conditions can contribute to better health outcomes, such as reduced exposure to pollutants that may affect respiratory health.

DRS also aligns with Article 29 (the goals of education) by serving as a tool for teaching children about sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the importance of protecting natural and urban environments. This educational aspect can help instil a sense of responsibility and active citizenship in young people.

While DRS is not directly linked to specific UNCRC requirements, it has an indirect positive impact on Article 31 (the right to leisure, play, and culture) by creating cleaner and safer spaces for recreation and cultural activities.

Protecting Children’s Rights

By reducing litter and pollution, DRS will protect Article 6 (the right to life, survival, and development) and Article 24 (the right to health). Cleaner public spaces, parks, and recreational areas will provide safer environments for children to play, learn, and explore, shielding them from environmental hazards and contributing to better physical and mental health outcomes.

Respecting Children’s Rights

The scheme respects Article 31 (the right to leisure, play, and culture) by creating spaces that are not only cleaner but also safer for recreational activities. Improved urban and natural environments demonstrate respect for children’s need for safe and accessible places to enjoy their free time.

Fulfilling Children’s Rights

DRS aligns with Article 29 (the goals of education) by offering opportunities to educate children about recycling, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. This fosters awareness and empowers children to contribute to the stewardship of their communities and the planet.

The implementation of DRS also reflects a broader commitment to Article 3 (the best interests of the child), as its environmental benefits support the health and wellbeing of current and future generations of children in Scotland.

9. If a negative impact has been identified, please describe it below. Is there a risk this could potentially amount to an incompatibility?

Evidence does not indicate any direct negative impacts or incompatibility.

10. As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all wellbeing indicators, will the proposal contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland?

Safe: Yes

Healthy: Yes

Achieving: Not Applicable

Nurtured: Not Applicable

Active: Yes

Respected: Not Applicable

Responsible: Yes

Included: Not Applicable

There is some evidence to suggest that the proposal has potential to be advantageous to children and young people’s wellbeing albeit indirectly once DRS is implemented. This applies to the following wellbeing indicators: Safe, Healthy, Active, and Responsible.

Safe: DRS has the potential to create safer communities for children and young people by contributing to a cleaner environment, reducing the amount of plastic and aluminium/tin containers that are littered.

Healthy: Cleaner communities provide safer areas for children to fostering their physical and mental wellbeing. Additionally, improved environmental conditions can contribute to better health outcomes, such as reduced exposure to pollutants that may affect respiratory health.

Active: Cleaner communities provide safer areas for children to play, explore, and learn. More areas that feel safer and cleaner to children could increase play outdoors.

Responsible: DRS will encourage children and young people to recycle single-use drinks containers. The policy could introduce children to wider sustainability issues and encourage them to think about their own environmental responsibility.

Please see question 2 for more on the potential impacts from specific measures, which will be dependent on the implementation of those measures.

11. How will you communicate to children and young people the impact that the proposal will have on their rights?

There will not be direct communication with children and young people about the Regulations. However, we will communicate with children and young people about the DRS as a whole.

The SA candidate will be responsible for promoting DRS and making sure children and young people understand how to take part in the scheme.

The Scottish Government will continue to engage with children and young people and representative organisations via wider circular economy initiatives. This will help us understand their perspectives and address any potential barriers, such as accessibility to reverse vending machines or concerns about affordability.

Child-Friendly Communication

• Child-Friendly Summary: We can develop a simplified and visually engaging version of the Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) that explains the purpose and potential impacts of DRS on children’s rights in clear and accessible language, if required.

Opportunities for Engagement

• Feedback Mechanisms: The Scottish Government will provide opportunities for children and young people to express their opinions about Circular Economy issues, including DRS to allow us to refine our approach based on their input.