Action on drinks containers tabled for England
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is reporting that a deposit return system for drinks containers may be introduced in England, following a statement given by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for the Environment, at the Conservative Party Conference this week. Defra has now launched a consultation into the possibility of imposing a deposit on drinks containers in England.
Dr Sue Kinsey, MCS Senior Pollution Policy Officer says: “Drinks containers such as plastic and glass bottle and aluminium cans make up about 10% of litter on UK beaches. Evidence from around the world show that deposit return schemes reduce littering, increase high quality recycling and save local authorities money. We strongly support the introduction of such a scheme in England which will help reduce this type of pollution from our streets, countryside and beaches.”
Last month, Scottish Government committed to a full deposit return system for Scotland. Welsh Government is also considering deposit return schemes in the future. In coastal countries with a working Deposit Return System in place, it has been shown to contribute to a measurable reduction in the numbers of bottles found on the beach.
Mr Gove said: “We are looking to go further to reduce plastic waste by working with industry to see how we could introduce a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles. Our oceans are our planet’s greatest natural resource and this government is determined to ensure we restore them to health for the next generation.”
Fingers crossed for positive news on this coming soon! For more information please see www.mcsuk.org.
