All scheme articles will be collected by an appointed logistics services provider and are provided free of charge. Your premise’s collection process is determined by the information you provide when you register as a return point operator.

Returned containers are the responsibility of the return point operator until the logistics provider has collected them. Find out more about effectively storing and handling returns.

  • Collection method will depend on the volume of containers you estimate to be returned to your premises alongside the approximation of actual costs incurred to you to operate as a return point.
  • Collection vehicle for each return point will be assessed through information regarding a premises’ access restrictions, operational efficiency and type of return point.
  • Collection frequency will be determined by a premises’ expected volume of returns and will be reviewed once the scheme is live.

Please note, our nominated logistics services providers may require access to return point locations to complete risk assessments.

Collections will be in-line with optimum transport schedules and may require a minimum number of returns for an uplift to be scheduled.

Collection drivers will not uplift any bags or tote boxes that do not comply with scheme requirements. Only plastic sacks, bins, tote boxes and tags as per Circularity Scotland’s guidelines may be used.

Return point operators must ensure a safe environment for collections.

  • For manual return points, there should be no broken glass presented and no liquid residue left in containers
  • Glass must only be placed in tote boxes or bins, not plastic bags
  • Barcodes must be visible and legible
  • Bags, bins or tote boxes must be undamaged and free from contamination of non-scheme articles

Bins and tote boxes remain as property of Circularity Scotland. Any losses may be charged to the return point operator.

Return point operators may choose to take back non-scheme containers and return them via the collections process. However, these will not be eligible for deposit returns or handling fees.

Online retailers or distance sellers do not need to operate return points.

Instead, scheme regulations state that they must offer a takeback service to consumers in Scotland for the collection and return of the empty scheme containers from the drinks they purchased. This will ensure the scheme is accessible for all, including those who rely on home deliveries or who may not be able to return scheme containers to a physical location.

To start, only the largest grocery supermarkets will be obliged to provide an online takeback service; all other businesses will be exempt. Online takeback is expected to be available to the public in 2025.

  • Bags will be to a specification approved by Circularity Scotland in conjunction with an appointed manufacturing partner.
  • Bags will be ordered by return point operators using an online ordering portal in conjunction with the picking and distribution partner.
  • Bags which are damaged or not secured with a specified security tag will be rejected by the collection driver.  
  • Glass material must not be placed in bags.
  • Manual and closed loop locations should place the returned scheme containers uncrushed into the bags.
  • Automatic locations should place crushed containers into the bags in the storage bins to a maximum weight of 15kg.

Tote boxes will be supplied by Circularity Scotland based on the registration process. Tote boxes which are damaged will be rejected by the collection driver.

  • Only whole glass bottles (not broken) should be placed within the tote boxes to a maximum weight of 15kg. 
  • Tote boxes should be sealed with one barcoded tag and one blank tag.
  • Frequency of collection will be determined by the number of tote boxes a return point can store safely and securely, with dimensions Hx31cm Wx40cm Lx60cm.

Once filled, bags and tote boxes should be secured with a security tag printed with a unique barcode. This allows for the deposit to be paid to the correct return point operator once the container has been collected.

Please note, all bags and tote boxes that are not secured with the specified tags will be rejected by the collection driver.

These security seals should be ordered directly from the appointed manufacturer via an online portal.

Bins for bulk glass will be provided by Circularity Scotland based on the registration process and should be stored in a secure area.

Consideration will be applied to bin size allocation with respect to manual handling health and safety requirements. Bin sizes: 140L, 180L, 240L and 360L.

As a business, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that you produce, store, transport and dispose of your business waste without harming the environment. This is your Duty of Care.

To ensure you are compliant with the Duty of Care regulations for the collection of scheme containers from your business premises, you will be required to fill out a Waste Transfer Note.

This Note covers all the regulatory requirements for the collection, movement and disposal of scheme containers, organised by a registered waste broker, and collected and transported to a licensed waste handling facility by a registered waste carrier.

A risk assessment will be completed by the logistics services provider to look at various aspects in regard to safely accessing the return point location.

This assessment is designed to assess any risks involved in the collection driver accessing the return point. This allows them to implement any corrective actions that may be required.