Waste firm Biffa has started legal action to recover more than £200m from Scottish Ministers over the highly controversial Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

Lawyers for Biffa Waste Services Ltd began action at Scotland's highest civil court, the Court of Session, on Tuesday.

The firm claims the Scottish Government is responsible for it incurring a £150m loss, while it also claims it received personal assurances from Scottish Green Party co-leader, and former minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity, Lorna Slater as a reason to invest heavily in the scheme.

Biffa claims £55m was invested in vehicles and equipment to prepare for the scheme going live.

It's reported that, overall, Biffa invested more than £65m in preparation for DRS.

A spokesman for the company said: "Biffa was selected by Circularity Scotland Limited as the logistics partner for the delivery of the Scottish deposit return scheme, and invested significant sums to support its timely and successful implementation.

"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."

A Scottish government spokesman said: "The Scottish government cannot comment on ongoing litigation."

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