The government has announced a new deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans – and is giving people a financial incentive to bring their empty containers back
Brits are set to earn cash for returning empty bottles to their local supermarkets as part of a fresh initiative to combat plastic waste.
The government has vowed to “clean up Britain” by introducing a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans, offering a financial incentive for individuals to recycle.
Under the scheme, households nationwide can take their empty containers to designated collection points at major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s, where they’ll be recycled. Those who return their containers will receive payment, encouraging responsible waste disposal.
This approach is already successfully implemented in over 50 countries, including Germany, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland, to boost recycling rates for single-use bottles and cans. According to the UK government, consumers in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland purchase approximately 30 billion single-use drinks containers annually, comprising 12 billion plastic bottles and 13 billion cans.
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When does it come into place?
Unfortunately, around 6.5 billion of these containers are wasted rather than recycled each year, contributing to litter and environmental harm.
By providing a financial incentive for recycling, the scheme aims to substantially reduce plastic waste and promote a cleaner environment. Slated for kick-off in October 2027, England and Northern Ireland are bracing for the launch of an innovative scheme that targets single-use plastic and metal drinks containers ranging from 150ml up to three litres, reports the Express.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has also indicated significant progress on Scotland’s own version of the regulations, hinting at a unified approach in introducing this groundbreaking initiative across the trio of nations.
‘Clean up Britain’
Minister Mary Creagh of the Circular Economy was bullish about the Government’s eco-driven agenda, remarking: “This Government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society. This is a vital step as we stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets, rivers and oceans and protect our treasured wildlife.”
She added: “Turning trash into cash also delivers on our Plan for Change by kickstarting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs.”
While recycling rates are reportedly increasing across the nation, as is the population. Recycling Facts says there’s still too much rubbish being chucked rather than recycled.
It added: “To help us get a better understanding of recycling in the UK today, we’ve compiled some of the most astonishing and alarming recycling facts to highlight just how much we are throwing away, and what we need to do if we are to preserve the planet and its natural resources for future generations.”