Reverse vending machines

7th November 2020

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that retailers which install a reverse vending machine (RVM) will benefit from rates relief.

Speaking at the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) annual conference in Glasgow, the First Minister said: “We recognise the global climate emergency and the need for everyone to work together to improve the lives of current and future generations. Retailers will be critical to the success of our planned Deposit Return Scheme and by introducing rates relief, we are supporting them to play their part. Retailers are already taking steps to reduce packaging and I look forward to the introduction of this scheme and the positive change in behaviour it will lead to.”

Ms Sturgeon’s statement will alleviate fears that installing an RVS could increase business rates by making shops which have them more valuable. Shops with an RVS will not be charged extra non-domestic rates because of the value of the machine, but the ‘relief’ does not amount to any financial bonus beyond this. As many as 3,000 shops are expected to invest in RVMs as a result of the scheme, whilst other stores will operate a manual “over the counter” scheme.

A new 100% non-domestic rates relief for RVMs will take effect from 1 April 2020 in preparation for the scheme going live. The relief will run indefinitely to ensure that non-domestic rates do not rise for retailers as a result of the installation of RVMs.

(https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/latest-news/glass-drs-best-planet-consumers/)

« back to press releases

Havering admits S114 fears

Havering admits S114 fears

Retailers warn Chancellor against 400m business rates hike

Retailers warn Chancellor against 400m business rates hike

Scotland's shops see 10% drop in business rate bills

Scotland's shops see 10% drop in business rate bills