Reloop writes to recycling minister over potential DRS delays

In the letter to the minister Reloop and its fellow organisations have urged the government to deliver its 2019 manifesto pledge by laying out legislation for the implementation of DRS this spring.

Organisations that have signed the letter include the British Softs Drinks Association, Federation of Independent Retailers, Coca-Cola and Greenpeace.

Reform

The organisations recognise the government’s intention to introduce deposit return schemes in England and Northern Ireland by October 2025, alongside parallel systems planned for Scotland and Wales, and have stated that it is a “reform that is essential to boosting economic, social and environmental wellbeing up and down the country.”

The letter argues that Reloop’s global deposit book 2022 shows that a DRS system that is well-designed can increase collection rates of plastic bottles by 90%.

It shows that drinks containers constituting a substantial portion of litter, the letter underscores the urgency of preventing their proliferation on streets and in waterways, ultimately safeguarding marine environments.

Drawing from data in Latvia, where a DRS reduced littered plastic bottles in coastal areas by 61% within two years of implementation, the letter illustrates the potential impact of a deposit return scheme.

Moreover, the letter highlights the advantageous prospects for the UK business sector. It points to the over 4,000 companies that registered for the Plastics Packaging Tax last year, indicating the potential for a thriving market for recyclables.

It suggests that by introducing a closed-loop recycling system, the UK could alleviate the strain on small- and medium-sized businesses while fostering sustainability.

Furthermore, recent YouGov polling suggests “robust” public support for the DRS, with 66% of respondents favouring its immediate introduction, while only 13% oppose the scheme entirely.

Action

The letter also stresses the need for the UK not to lag behind global counterparts in implementing such schemes. With several nations already rolling out or planning DRS initiatives, including Ireland’s recent launch of its own system named ‘Return’, the “urgency for action is palpable”.