Biffa Waste Services Suing Scottish Government for £55 Million Over Failed Deposit Recycling Scheme

Biffa Waste Services, an England waste firm, has taken legal action against the Scottish Government for missed compensation from a delayed bottle deposit return program.

Biffa had invested in the Government’s recycling scheme that was set to go live last summer. However, the scheme was blocked after the UK government refused to grant to the Internal Market Act unless the Scottish program excluded glass, stating that it is too complicated and expensive.

Circularity Scottland was selected as the firm to manage the deposit scheme, with Biffa as one of its largest creditors. Biffa entered a 10-year deal to collect the recycled containers in Scottland but now is suing the Scottish Government for “appropriate compensation” to the tune of £55 million.

“Biffa was selected by Circularity Scotland Ltd as the logistics partner for the delivery of the Scottish deposit return scheme and invested significant sums to support its timely and successful implementation,” Biffa said in a statement.

“This was done in good faith and on the expectation and understanding that the delivery of the scheme had been mandated by the Scottish Government. Having carefully reviewed our position with our advisers, we can confirm that we are taking legal action to seek appropriate compensation for the losses Biffa has incurred.”

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