The UK is postponing the introduction of a bottle deposit and return scheme (DRS) until 2027, four years later than planned. According to the BBC, the reason for this is the Welsh government's demand to include glass in the system, which the British government rejects.
Since its announcement by the then Environment Secretary Michael Gove in 2018, the DRS has been delayed again and again. It was originally due to come into force in August 2023, before being postponed to 2024, then 2025 and now 2027.
The majority of British consumers are currently in favour of a deposit return system. According to a consumer survey by GlobalData for the second quarter of 2023 66 per cent of Brits use a deposit system for bottles and containers where they live. However, 34 per cent of respondents state that they would not use such a system. They cite „inconvenience“, „hygiene“ and „low reward“ as reasons.
„Whilst the postponement of the UK scheme's introduction until 2027 is regrettable given the sustainability and environmental benefits it would offer, the Government and other stakeholders should use this time to address concerns ahead of its introduction and ensure that as many people as possible are enthusiastic about the scheme.“
Chris Strong, Managing Consultant and Packaging Analyst at GlobalData
Source: GlobalData
