The introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) in Scotland could yet be delayed further until 2023.

It was initially hoped the scheme would start in April 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic forced it to be pushed back.

The DRS was due to start in July 2022 in a bid to make it easier for people to recycle their bottles and cans.

Customers would pay a 20p deposit on single-use containers and get that money when they return their empty bottles and cans.

The BBC report that campaigners fear it will be delayed once against after new Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, told MSPs the Scottish government recognised the ‘significant impact’ that Covid and Brexit had had on the drinks industry and other sectors responsible for delivering the scheme.

The Scottish government said an update would be issued shortly.

Earlier this year, when answering a question from MSP Stewart Stevenson, environment minister, Ben Macpherson, said: “The  Government recognises the unique and significant pressures that Covid-19 and EU exit have placed on industry over the past year, including the businesses with responsibility for implementing Scotland’s DRS.”

He said the industry had made good progress towards implementing the scheme, but the  Government was “committed to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic on implementation of a DRS”.