Deposit return scheme 'won’t include glass in England and Northern Ireland'

As part of its second consultation into the scheme, Westminster says including glass in the scheme would make it too complex and that they will instead be covered by the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, an incoming 'regulatory tool' that requires producers to be significantly responsible for their post-consumer product.

Wales is to follow the Scottish Government​​ by including glass within its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). 

Set to be introduced in 2025, the DRS will apply to cans and plastic bottles in England and Northern Ireland and will see both the general public and - potentially - hospitality businesses incentivised to recycle by way of small cash deposits on single-use items. 

The scheme would include special machines, known as reverse vending machines, and designated sites where people can return their bottles and receive their cash back.

Retailers who sell drinks covered by the scheme who would host a return point, but it is currently unclear how the system will work in the hospitality space where it is the operator that typically has the responsibility for spent containers.  

‘Extensive’ work with industry to prepare for the necessary changes – including setting up infrastructure and amending labelling - will begin shortly, the Government says.  

First on the agenda will be the development of the necessary new legislation as well as the appointment process of the Deposit Management Organisation – an independent, industry-led organisation, which will be established to run the scheme.

The Deposit Management Organisation will set the amount for the refundable deposit, the Government says.

Responding to the publication of the Government response to its second Deposit Return Scheme consultation, Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The delay to the implementation of a DRS in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland until October 2025 at the earliest is a positive move.

“To ensure a functioning and effective scheme across all UK nations it is crucial that enough planning time is provided, and that learnings are applied from the Scottish DRS, which is due to begin in August this year.

“With less than eight months until the go live date in Scotland it is imperative that DEFRA, HMT and HMRC provide further information on VAT on deposits as a matter of urgency. Businesses are unable to fully cost and plan for the impact of a DRS without this detail.

“The complex nature of DRS means the operational challenge is extremely large and it is crucial further information is provided as we move ever nearer to the implementation date in Scotland if the scheme is to operate effectively and efficiently. It is also critical for businesses that operate across the UK that the schemes are interoperable, as entirely separate schemes add unnecessary risks and complications for businesses in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, added: “We are pleased that Defra has listened to industry concerns about the inclusion of glass and has announced that glass containers will not be part of the DRS in England or Northern Ireland. From the outset, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association has argued that the best way to increase glass recycling rates is to improve kerbside collection, rather than introduce a completely new regime. According to British Glass, five of the top seven countries recycling glass do not operate a DRS.”

“Government understands that the glass industry is committed to increasing recycling levels to 90% by 2030, without the need to include glass. Consumers may not be aware that DRS will separate collections between kerbside and return points thereby reducing efficiency, reducing the amount of glass that is recycled and increasing social inequality.” 

"It is disappointing that not all UK Governments share this same evidence-based approach to policy making. The consequence of Scotland and Wales taking different approaches will make it harder for businesses to trade across the UK and could undermine recycling aims.”