Deposit return system for drinks containers backed across the UK

Almost three-quarters of people would back a “deposit return system” for plastic and glass drinks bottles and aluminium cans being rolled out across the UK, a survey suggests.
The deposit return scheme, for bottles and other drinks containers, has received wide support. Picture: PAThe deposit return scheme, for bottles and other drinks containers, has received wide support. Picture: PA
The deposit return scheme, for bottles and other drinks containers, has received wide support. Picture: PA

The poll found 72 per cent of people supported plans by the Scottish Government for a 20p deposit on drinks containers that people would get back when they return it for recycling, to be implemented across the whole UK.

The same percentage wanted to see the same materials – glass, plastic and aluminium – or more, such as Tetra Pak cartons, included in the scheme, the survey for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) found.

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The findings come after Michael Gove backed an “all-in” deposit return system that includes drinks containers of all materials and sizes in his final speech as environment secretary.

CPRE wants the new Environment Secretary, Theresa Villiers, to build on the work of her predecessor and make a “swift and formal commitment” to bringing in a scheme that would end environmental damage done by drinks containers.

Maddy Haughton-Boakes, litter campaigner at CPRE, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that so many people have shown such high levels of support for the scheme before it’s even been introduced.

“A deposit return system will transform the way we deal with waste, boost recycling and, as a result, finally put a stop to the harm that drinks containers are causing our countryside, environment and wildlife.

“With Michael Gove having thrown his weight behind a truly “all-in” deposit return system, and with the Scottish Government’s decision to introduce one earlier this year, this latest wave of public support is surely all the evidence needed for the Government to get this over the line.”

YouGov surveyed 3,386 people for the poll for CPRE. The Scottish Government outlined its plans for a deposit return scheme for some plastic drinking containers, cans and glass in May.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham told MSPs at Holyrood that a “return to retail” model would be adopted. Effectively, 20p – the deposit – will be added to the price of a single-use drinks container bought from a shop.

Consumers will get their deposit back when they return the empty bottle or can to the retailer. The scheme will operate throughout Scotland, including rural areas. All types of drinks and all containers above 50ml and up to three litres in size are included.