The new deposit return scheme for drinks containers announced by the UK government will give people a financial incentive to bring their empty bottles and cans back to supermarkets for recycling
UK households are set to receive payments for returning empty bottles to their local supermarkets, as part of a fresh initiative aimed at slashing plastic waste. The UK government has unveiled a deposit return scheme for drink containers that seeks to “clean up Britain” by offering a monetary reward for those who bring their used bottles and cans to designated drop-off points, rather than discarding them.
These collection sites will be situated in familiar grocery chains such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, where the containers can be recycled and people compensated for their contributions.
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The deposit return system is already operational in over 50 countries globally, including Germany, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland, as a measure to boost recycling rates of single-use beverage containers.
Slated for launch in October 2027 within the UK, the programme will span England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland – a collective population of 65 million – and will encompass single-use plastic and metal drinks containers ranging from 150ml to three litres.
According to the UK government, consumers in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland purchase approximately 30 billion single-use drinks containers annually, which includes 12 billion plastic bottles and 13 billion cans. Out of these, an estimated 6.5 billion single-use drinks bottles and cans each year are not recycled, leading to significant littering issues.
The government is banking on a financial lure to boost recycling rates, with hopes that the new scheme will slash the volume of plastic ending up as waste, reports the Express.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said: “With successful examples in countries like Germany, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, deposit return schemes are a common-sense way to encourage us all to recycle our drinks containers.
“Under this scheme, a redeemable deposit is placed on specific drinks containers that can be claimed when the item is returned to a collection point, such as a local supermarket.
“There’s no need for a receipt or proof of purchase, so anyone can return their own drinks containers or ones that they find, as long as they’re in good nick. This means we can all chip in to help clean up our communities – and get something for it.
“This simple change will reward people for doing the right thing and recycling their empty drinks containers. Together, we will turn the tide on plastic waste.”
DEFRA has announced that Wales is developing its own plastic deposit return scheme, which will operate in tandem with those in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh stated: “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.
“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.”