Recycling reforms include Deposit Return Scheme

Landmark reforms that will boost recycling, tackle plastic pollution and reduce litter have taken a step forward as new proposals to overhaul the waste and resources sector are revealed.

Powers in the government’s landmark Environment Bill could be used to make manufacturers more responsible for the packaging they produce and incentivise consumers to recycle more.

This includes a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, whereby consumers will be incentivised to take their empty drinks containers to return points hosted by retailers. Every year across the UK, consumers go through an estimated 14 billion plastic drinks bottles, nine billion drinks cans and five billion glass bottles. The scheme would cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a separate scheme already under development in Scotland.

Environment Secretary George Eustice also said that the government will also introduce consistent recycling collections for all households and businesses in England. This will also be going out to consultation shortly.

Eustice said: “Through our world-leading Environment Bill we are transforming the way we deal with waste. Tackling plastic pollution lies at the heart of our efforts, and we have already taken steps to ban microbeads, cut supermarket sales of single-use plastic bags by 95% and prohibit the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.

“These new changes will further ensure that more of what we consume is recycled and reused. They will stimulate the creation of alternatives to single-use plastics and establish consistent rules to help people recycle more easily across the country.”