06/10/2017

Ideas wanted for ‘reward and return’ schemes for drinks containers (E)

Views on how deposit and reward and return schemes could help reduce littering and increase the numbers of plastic, metal and glass drinks containers that are recycled have been requested in a call for evidence issued by environment minister, Michael Gove.

Investigation of ideas generated by responses will be the first task of the newly-formed Voluntary and Economic Incentives Working Group set up as part of the government’s Litter Strategy for England to consider specific measures to reduce littering and increase the recycling and re-use of packaging materials.

Recent figures show that England recycles just 57% of plastic bottles, a poor performance in comparison with Denmark and South Australia, which both operate forms of deposit reward schemes and respectively recycle 90% and 80% of beverage containers.

‘Call for evidence on voluntary and economic incentives to reduce littering of drinks containers and promote recycling’ includes links to the Litter Strategy as well as the Call for Evidence.