06-05-2025
Turn trash to cash by returning plastic bottles to UK supermarkets
The government has launched a forthcoming deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans in a bid to tackle plastic waste
UK households are set to receive payments for returning empty bottles to their local supermarkets as part of a fresh initiative aimed at curbing plastic waste, reports the Express.
The government has committed to "clean up Britain" by introducing a new deposit return scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and cans, offering a monetary incentive for individuals to recycle their empties.
Residents throughout the UK will be able to take their used bottles and cans to designated collection points located in major supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, where they can be recycled.
In exchange for their returned containers, people will receive payment.
While the exact cost of the deposit is still to be determined, it is expected to be a small fee, with examples from other countries suggesting it could be in the range of 15-25 cents per container (approx 5p).
This deposit return system is already in operation in over 50 countries globally, helping to boost recycling rates of single-use bottles and cans, with examples including Germany, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland.
The average return rate for European countries with a DRS is 90%, according to global eNGO Reloop, with Germany showing the best results at 98%.
According to the UK government, consumers in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland purchase approximately 30 billion single-use drink containers annually, comprising 12 billion plastic bottles and 13 billion cans.
Out of these, about 6.5 billion are not recycled each year and are instead discarded or littered.
By providing a financial reward for recycling, the scheme aims to drastically cut down on the volume of plastic that goes unrecycled.
The initiative is set to roll out in October 2027 in England and Northern Ireland, covering single-use plastic and metal drinks containers ranging from 150ml to three litres.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Scotland is also making progress with its own regulations, marking a significant milestone in the scheme's implementation across the three countries.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh stated: "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."
The movement towards a cleaner Britain doesn't end there – actions have been made towards banning single use vapes, cracking down on rubbish incinerators and delivering food from farms that would otherwise go to waste to people that need it most.
