Tackling waste: UK Government delays glass bottle deposit scheme until 2027

In a recent move that has caused criticism from environmental groups and Welsh ministers, the UK government has announced a delay in the rollout of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for bottles and cans 

The deposit return scheme aims to encourage recycling by offering cash incentives for returning single-use drink containers through selected return points. 

Originally set to be implemented in 2025, the scheme will now not come into effect until 2027, with sources claiming the industry needs more time to prepare. 

What is the deposit return scheme? 

UK Environment Minister Robbie Moore announced the decision after a debate over including glass in the scheme. 

While all four UK nations had been working together to agree on a joint approach, the Welsh government’s insistence on demand glass has been a point of argument. The UK government argues that including glass would cause logistical problems and increase costs for retailers and the drinks industry.

Environmental impact of litter

Delaying the scheme’s implementation has frustrated campaigners and environmental organisations nationwide. They argue that the postponement will only worsen the problem of plastic and glass bottle litter, which is a significant threat to the environment, particularly marine ecosystems.

Despite the setback, Wales remains firm in its commitment to including glass in its DRS. Welsh Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies claims that Wales’ high recycling rates necessitate a more ambitious approach, and including glass is a matter of when not if.

However, the UK government have a different view, Minister Moore repeated the government’s duty to protect the UK internal market and facilitate free trade within the country. 

DRS to help tackle plastic pollution 

Critics argue that the delay in implementing the DRS is indicative of a lack of urgency in addressing the issue of plastic and glass bottle waste. With an estimated 13 billion plastic bottles used annually in the UK and only a fraction of them recycled, the need for effective recycling schemes is more important than ever.

13 billion plastic bottles used annually in the UK

In response to the delay, the opposition has criticised the Conservative government’s track record on environmental issues. The BBC reported that Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary Steve Reed criticised the delay, emphasising the need for immediate action to tackle plastic pollution.

As the debate over the DRS continues, environmental campaigners and Welsh ministers remain firm in their commitment to complete recycling schemes that address the challenges of plastic and glass bottle waste.