Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020 (as amended): island communities impact assessment

Methodology

33. Summary of activities from 2018 to date:

• Framing exercise: Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Government discussion.
• Evidence-gathering: quantitative and qualitative data and evidence were sourced, including evidence from existing large Scotland- and UK-level surveys and evidence from other relevant policy impact assessments.
• Zero Waste Scotland delivered roadshows across Scotland with at least one event in all thirty-two Local Authorities. This was in addition to the engagement with over 120 stakeholder organisations a number of sector workshops and webinars.
• Zero Waste Scotland set up an Islands Forum in 2019 following on from a series of stakeholder engagement events across the Scottish Islands. The forum included representation from local retailers, producers, and hospitality businesses based in island locations alongside the Scottish Islands Federation, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Orkney Islands Council, and Zero Waste Scotland. The purpose of the forum was to provide information to island stakeholders on the progression of the scheme, and to allow members to review and input into drafts of the Islands Communities Impact Assessment.
• Stakeholder engagement has been ongoing on a three nation basis, including a three nation Industry Forum. Specific issues affecting those who live in Island communities have been discussed to identify possible mitigations, including access to return points and takeback solutions. (Takeback is examined in more detail in the accompanying Equality Impact Assessment^[15]).

34. A number of potential impacts were identified prior to and during the framing exercise:

• Impact on the price of goods which may rise as a result of increased producer costs.
• Impacts on island retailers who will be required to operate a return point.
• Transport costs of collecting and transporting collected materials.
• Impact on waste management and litter cleansing costs.
• Recognition of the requirement for Gaelic communications materials.

35. The framing exercise alongside research carried out as part of previous ICIAs identified a limited number of potential impacts. As a result, a desk-based approach was considered to be appropriate for this stage of the ICIA and has been used to source existing data and evidence.

36. This ICIA has summarised potential impacts based on available information at the time of production and will be used by the Scottish Government to inform implementation of the policy. Appropriate monitoring of the policy is required to ensure emerging impacts are identified and addressed where appropriate post-implementation.

37. The previous public consultation provided opportunities for island communities to comment on the proposal for a DRS in Scotland. Relevant comments have been taken into consideration for this ICIA.