The UK’s Parliament has voted in favor of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) regulations for drinks containers in England and Northern Ireland. The scheme aims to reduce litter and increase recycling rates. Despite opposition from supermarket bosses and some Conservative MPs, the scheme was approved by 352 MPs. The Circular Economy Minister, Mary Creagh, argued that the scheme is necessary to address the harm caused by the “take, make, throw” model and that it will help to keep valuable resources in use for longer.
The scheme will include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, steel, and aluminum drink containers, but not glass. Manufacturers will be required to pay under the scheme, and consumers will bear the burden. The scheme is expected to create 21,000 jobs and generate £21bn in investment. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and Biffa Waste Management have welcomed the approval of the scheme, which they say will help to move the UK towards a circular economy. However, some industry representatives have expressed concerns about the scheme’s feasibility and the need for clear guidelines on implementation.