UK supermarket customers to be paid to bring bottles back
The new deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans announced by the UK government aims to to "clean up Britain" by giving people a financial incentive to bring their empty containers back
UK households are set to cash in on their recycling efforts as the Government rolls out a new deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans, aiming to "clean up Britain" by incentivising the public to recycle. Under the scheme, residents can take their empty containers to collection points located at major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's, where they'll receive payment for each item returned.
The initiative, already successful in over 50 countries including Germany, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland, is designed to boost recycling rates for the staggering 30 billion single-use drink containers purchased annually across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
With an estimated 6.5 billion of these containers, including 12 billion plastic bottles and 13 billion cans, going unrecycled and often ending up as litter, the scheme promises a greener future by offering a financial reward for eco-friendly behaviour.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has praised the deposit return schemes as "With successful examples in countries like Germany, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, deposit return schemes are a common-sense way to encourage us all to recycle our drinks containers."
"Under this scheme, a redeemable deposit is placed on specific drinks containers that can be claimed when the item is returned to a collection point, such as a local supermarket.
"There's no need for a receipt or proof of purchase, so anyone can return their own drinks containers or ones that they find, as long as they're in good nick. This means we can all chip in to help clean up our communities - and get something for it.
"This simple change will reward people for doing the right thing and recycling their empty drinks containers. Together, we will turn the tide on plastic waste."
Slated for a launch in October 2027, the scheme will roll out in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, reaching approximately 65 million residents, and will tackle 150ml to three-litre single-use plastic and metal drinks containers, reports the Express.
DEFRA has explained that whilst Wales is forging its own path with a unique plastic deposit return scheme, it will be harmonised with those in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh expressed strong environmental sentiments by stating: "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 delivers on our Plan for Change by kickstarting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs."
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