It had brought 200 trucks and started increasing its workforce in preparation for the scheme.
The plans for the scheme were ousted last June by member of Scottish parliament, Lorna Slater, and the schemes implementation date was delayed by two and half years in line with the rest of the UK.
It was scrapped after it faced concerns from supermarkets, shops, drinks firms and a partial block by the UK government, after it was deemed incompatible with the Internal Market Act.
Taxpayers have already lost millions to the failed scheme after Circularity Scotland – the company set up to run it – collapsed in July (see letsrecycle.com story).
The scheme aimed to boost recycling rates and reduce litter by charging a 20p deposit on all glass and plastic drink containers.
The deposit would be reclaimed when empties were returned to machines at shops.
Accountability
SNP’s rural affairs minister, Fergus Ewing, expressed astonishment at the potential lawsuit and raised concerns about potential similar actions from others. He urged for a ministerial statement and emphasised the need for accountability regarding the additional financial burden, questioning the potential additional costs to the taxpayer resulting from the bottle scheme.
The Scottish Government said it wouldn’t comment on a legal threat from Biffa but stressed it was “committed to the delivery of a successful deposit return scheme.”
Biffa declined to comment but has previously stated that it wanted to reclaim its investment.
To find out more about Scottish recycling rates, visit LARAC Scotland. To book tickets to attend or for more information please click here.
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