The UK government has announced new regulations concerning the establishment of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England and Northern Ireland. This significant commitment was officially presented in parliament, signaling a proactive approach to waste management.
On 25 November, the government made public a document outlining these regulations, which are set to “come into force on 1 October 2027.” This timeline marks a critical step towards enhancing recycling efforts and reducing litter.
Anticipated to become law by January 2025, these regulations will allow the government to proceed with the appointment of Deposit Management Organisations later this year.
In related news, the Welsh Government has opted out of the UK-wide DRS this month and intends to implement its own initiative.
Despite this development, Defra expressed confidence that the establishment of the DRS will remain on schedule. A spokesperson stated, “The UK Government is fully committed to a DRS and will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland to launch the scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027.”
“We look forward to working closely with industry on successful delivery of our DRS.”
‘One Step Closer to DRS’
Jenni Hume, UK and Ireland director at the circular economy non-profit Reloop, commended the government’s commitment to the DRS implementation date of October 2027, emphasizing its importance.
“We’re delighted to see the new UK Government progress with the DRS for England and for Northern Ireland, which will do so much towards cleaning up our communities and creating a circular economy for packaging,” Hume remarked.
“While our drinks container recycling rates linger at an average of 70% in the UK, we can see the compelling benefits from other countries that have successfully implemented deposit return schemes. For instance, Germany boasts an impressive 98% collection rate through its system. The advantages of incorporating glass bottles into this initiative are clear, and even without this material, the environmental benefits of the scheme significantly outweigh the costs of inaction.”
“With strong public and political support for the policy, we are pleased that this tried and tested circular economy measure is one step closer to finally being rolled out across England and Northern Ireland, and in turn the wider UK.”
