MPs support move for deposit return scheme for England and Northern Ireland
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A proposed law to establish a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in England and Northern Ireland from 2027 has been supported by MPs. DRS involves people being charged a deposit when buying a single-use container and then receiving the money back when they hand it in for recycling at a designated return point.
Environment minister Mary Creagh said the DRS will reduce littering, boost recycling, help protect wildlife and “begin to turn back the plastic tide”. But the Conservatives, who initiated moves towards a DRS in 2017, opposed the measure and raised concerns over the cost implications on businesses.
The House of Commons voted 352 to 75, majority 277, in favour of the statutory instrument, which paves the way for the scheme to be introduced in England and Northern Ireland from October 2027. The Scottish Government is expected to align its DRS to match the one backed by MPs.
The Welsh Government pulled out of the UK-wide approach last year and has always maintained that glass would be part of its scheme. Materials included in the Westminster scheme would be single-use plastic, steel and aluminium drinks containers. Ms Creagh said the DRS will improve rates of recycling, telling the Commons: “By giving people money back on their bottles, we transform their plastic and metal drinks containers from a waste stream to a resource stream.
