Scotland’s deposit return scheme could be axed later this month if UK ministers do not give the go-ahead, the circular economy minister has said.

Lorna Slater said if an exemption from the Internal Market Act was not confirmed then the Scottish government would have to decide on its future.

Ms. Slater told the Scottish Grocers’ Federation that a lack of response could render the scheme “unviable”.

A UK government spokesman said it received a formal request for an exemption on 6 March, with the Scottish government having since paused the scheme until March of next year.

The spokesman added: “It, therefore, hasn’t been possible yet for us to fully assess the impacts of the exclusion request on cross-UK trade, firms and consumers.

“We will continue to engage with the Scottish government to realise our shared ambition to improve the environment while meeting the needs of consumers and businesses across the UK.”

The scheme, which is aimed at increasing the number of single-use drinks bottles and cans that are recycled, was due to start in August.

Ms Slater – the Scottish Green co-leader who has been driving the scheme – said she was still working closely with the UK government to make the launch happen.

She said she would know “one way or the other” by the end of the month.

The scheme requires Westminster to grant an exemption to the UK-wide Internal Market Act, given its possible implications for business elsewhere in the UK.

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