The government today vowed to tackle the “avalanche of rubbish” blighting the UK’s streets as it officially launched plans for a deposit return scheme in October 2027, despite opposition from supermarkets.
Environment minister Mary Creagh came out fighting on behalf of the scheme and the proposed timescale, after ministers were accused by retailers of “ploughing ahead regardless” of their concerns over the scheme driving up prices and the withdrawal of Wales.
The government’s signal of intent follows last week’s vote by MPs to back the regulations behind the scheme, despite the Conservatives coming out against the policy in a major u-turn on their position. They had backed DRS since it was first proposed under Michael Gove in 2017.
Creagh said the scheme was a “simple but effective” way to introduce a circular economy, already used in more than 50 countries worldwide, which would boost recycling rates as well as create jobs.
“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,” she said.
“Turning trash into cash also delivers on our Plan for Change by kick-starting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs.”
Stephen Moorhouse, vice president and general manager of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, which has been one of the most influential business backers of DRS, said the October 2027 rollout was “challenging but achievable” and called on the industry to “roll up its sleeves”.
“We welcome the clarity provided by the regulation for England and Northern Ireland and are encouraged by recent developments that will ensure an aligned scheme with Scotland, despite wider challenges around a UK-wide approach,” he said.
Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) CEO James Lowman added: “We are pleased to have certainty on the DRS regulations so local shops can start to prepare for October 2027 and our communities can realise the benefits of reduced litter and higher quality recycled materials.
“Now the real work begins to make the deposit return scheme a success through cross-industry partnership and a planned network of return points that work for customers.”
Last week supermarket bosses warned the UK government it was risking a repeat of the Scotland DRS debacle by “ploughing ahead regardless” despite growing fears over the economic impact of the scheme and lack of UK-wide political support.
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said the initiative was “the wrong scheme at the wrong time”.
“With the headwind of a tax on jobs, new union-inspired employment laws and a bump in business rates, businesses can’t stomach any more cost,” he said.
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