Labour government to roll out DRS ahead of 2027 schedule
The new Labour government has said it plans to roll out the long-awaited deposit return scheme (DRS) ahead of the October 2027 schedule.
Minister with responsibility for circular economy Mary Creagh confirmed the move yesterday.
She said: This government is committed to creating a roadmap to a zero-waste economy – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer; waste is reduced; we accelerate the path to net zero, we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs; our economy prospers; and nature thrives.
“We are reviewing the suite of packaging reforms and are going to work with our devolved government counterparts, industry and other stakeholders to determine the next steps for the DRS. I would be happy to update the House in due course.”
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The scheme, which involves consumers receiving a small cash fee for any bottles returned to ‘reverse vending machines’ in supermarkets, looks to dramatically reduce litter and plastic pollution in England.
However, the previous government delayed the DRS, claiming that earlier dates would be unachievable and set out a new 2027 timeline in March.
Many UK supermarkets called for the government to go back to the drawing board with its plans for DRS, saying a “fundamental rethink” was needed as under plans at the time, bosses claimed the scheme would cost retailers approximately £1.8bn, ten times the amount that officials previously reported.
However, many campaign groups and FMCG giants have since urged the UK government to introduce legislation for a DRS.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners – the sole licensed bottler for the drink giant’s products in Europe – vice-president Julian Hunt said in March that the UK risks becoming the “dirty man of Europe” if there continues to be less incentive for consumers to recycle drinks containers.
Following the news that a DRS is expected to be introduced ahead of schedule, environment charity City to Sea CEO Jane Martin said: “A deposit return scheme for drink containers is a proven next step to help create Labour’s promised circular economy. Abroad, countries such as Germany have enjoyed successful return rates of over 90%.
“The fast implementation of a DRS is a big call from a government whose manifesto was strangely lacking in environmental commitments, and it has far-reaching effects. But to work properly it must encompass all drinks containers, whether made from plastic, aluminium or glass and it should be seen as the first step toward truly reusable packaging.
“We are pleased to see Labour getting off on the right foot with a plan for a fast and comprehensive rollout ahead of the planned 2027 schedule but as ever the devil is in the detail.”
1 Comment. Leave new
Perhaps ask Coca-Cola (and other producers) what financial contribution they are going to make to the DRS scheme. It always seems to fall to retailers to fund the solution to these issues.