In a recent post, the UK Government has stated that it is “fully committed to a Deposit Return Scheme and will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland to launch the scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027.”
The Welsh Government announced, on 18th November 2024, a delay to their Deposit Return Scheme.
Wales is already ranked 2nd in the world for recycling, and they are in a unique position of implementing a scheme into an already high recycling nation.
The UK Government said: “we will continue to work in partnership with the Welsh Government, as they make decisions regarding a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales.”
Deposit Return Schemes are proven to drastically reduce littering of single-use drinks containers, to drive up recycling rates, and will support the Government’s objective to move to a circular economy.
With a large amount of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and metal drinks containers in use, this would make a significant difference.
“Deposit Return Schemes have been proven to significantly reduce drinks container litter, as well as other types of litter, as drinks containers can be ‘magnets’ attracting other types of litter.”
Of all littering, 55% of litter by volume was found to be plastic and metal drinks containers.
It is estimated that the introduction a Deposit Return Scheme will create about 4,000 new jobs across the UK and will bring investment in infrastructure required to deliver the scheme.
The UK Government has said it is committed to working closely with industry “to design a scheme that works for businesses and consumers.”
The Government said: “We are firmly committed to our timeframe of launching a Deposit Return Scheme in October 2027. As the next step in delivery of the scheme, we intend to lay regulations for England and Northern Ireland in November 2024, when parliamentary time allows, which will enable us to progress with the appointment of the Deposit Management Organisations in April 2025.”
Photo by cottonbro studio
