Government scheme to clean up communities

The government are set to launch a new scheme in October 2027 that will clean up communities and offer a financial incentive to returning employ contained across English and Northern Ireland.

Deposit return schemes (DRS) that give a payout for returning recyclable containers are already used in more than 50 countries worldwide to encourage people to recycle more single-use bottles and cans, such as in Germany, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland. The average return rate for European countries with a DRS is 90 per cent, according to global eNGO Reloop, with Germany having the best rate at 98 per cent.

This makes the scheme an effective method of combatting problems of rubbish in the streets as well as clogging up rivers and oceans, as well as letting the public get money back for returning their bottles. 

Across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, consumers buy an estimated 30 billion single-use drinks containers every year, 12 billion being in plastic bottles and 13 billion in cans. Each year, 6.5 billion of these are thrown away rather than recycled. Research from the Marine Conservation Society shows that 97 per cent of surveyed beaches were polluted with drinks-related items in 2023.

These reforms are part of the government’s Plan for Change which centres kickstarting economic growth, ensuring economic stability, and making the country greener.

Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: “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 deliver son our Plan for Change by kickstarting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs.”