Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020 (as amended): equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for The Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020 (as amended by the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Scotland Amendment Regulations 2025) and the Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland (Designation of Scheme Administrator) Order 2025.
Takeback: Accessibility and convenience of consumers participating in the scheme.
45. Age. Aligning with previous EQIAs, a primary concern for older people is in regard to accessibility and convenience of return point locations.
46. Not all consumers will be able to access a return point, as some rely on online food shopping. Online shopping has increased in recent years with online grocery shopping accounting for 13.1% of all grocery sales. In 2022 30.3% of consumers were found to do some level of online grocery shopping.[20] This is projected to increase in coming years with ~25% across all age groups estimating they will do most of their grocery shopping online; however, it is not clear if this will be delivered or click and collect. In total 60% of those surveyed stated they purchase beverages online as part of their grocery shopping, and it is likely drinks containers within the scope of DRS will be included in such purchases.
47. As there is no longer a mandatory requirement for takeback of any drinks containers bought online, older people may be more affected. In particular, those with less mobility and/or long-term health conditions that rely on online food deliveries or other distance sales may have more limited ability to return containers in person and as such may be unable to redeem their deposits.
48. In the UK one in five (19%) of people aged 80-84 say they have difficulty shopping for groceries.[21] Reasons include difficulty getting to food shops, accessibility instore, lack of adequate rest facilities, and difficulty carrying goods to and from the supermarket. It is reasonable to assume the same would be the case for returns, therefore some older people may struggle to return drinks containers to return points.
49. Average equivalised household disposable income across the UK by age group of the chief household economic supporter (CES) for 2021/22 was lowest in the 16-24 age group (£27,596 per year).[22] Disposable income for other age groups ranges from £31,085 (65+) to £40,926 (25-34). This shows that the youngest and oldest are most likely to have the least disposable income, and may be at higher risk of being impacted if they cannot physically return their containers and redeem their deposits. This also relates to lower income and associated issues which are discussed further in the accompanying Fairer Scotland Assessment.[23]
50. Disability. In Scotland, an estimated that 27% of the population has a long-term physical or mental health condition[24] (1.5 million people) in 2022-23. This is above the UK average of 24%.
51. It is reasonable to consider there may be some disabled individuals with certain conditions which limit their ability to access return points with their empty containers.[25] As such, they will be at higher risk of not being able to redeem their deposits.