Litter-strewn beaches and fields could soon be a thing of the past, as the UK government has approved legislation to establish a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in England and Northern Ireland.
The scheme is set to launch in October 2027 and will require consumers to pay a deposit when buying drinks in plastic and metal containers; the deposit can then be reclaimed when the empty containers are returned through designated collection points.
Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy estimates that plastic bottles and drinks cans make up 55% of litter across the UK.
Environment Minister Mary Creagh says, "The deposit return scheme will end the epidemic of litter on our streets and restore pride in our communities. It will improve the countryside, preserve our wildlife and protect our beaches and marine environment."
However, Green MP Carla Denyer says, “I am disappointed to see a deposit return scheme that does not include glass. Implementing a deposit return scheme that includes glass is really not unprecedented; it is absolutely possible.”
The new scheme places responsibility on retailers to charge deposits, provide return points and display scheme information to consumers. However, the legislation includes an exemption for shops under the size of 100 square metres in urban areas.
The scheme is aiming to collect 90% of containers by 2030.
Scotland plans to implement a compatible DRS simultaneously, while Wales has withdrawn from the legislation to develop its own scheme, to also include glass containers. Implementation challenges in Northern Ireland drew scrutiny from DUP MP Jim Shannon, who criticised the lack of consultation with the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Main image: Litter left behind on the beach at Southend on Sea/Getty
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