Former Environment Secretary, Theresa Villiers MP, has called on the Government to make progress on the deposit return scheme it promised for drinks containers four years ago.
In 2018, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) committed to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England and to work with the Devolved Administrations to deliver this across the UK. DRS schemes cut down on litter and waste and boost recycling by providing people with a financial incentive to dispose of drinks containers responsibly. If they do, part of the purchase cost is refunded to them.
In 2019, Ms Villiers was the Secretary of State who introduced the Environment Act to Parliament which contained provision for the DRS promised by the Government to be established. This week she wrote to Environment Secretary, George Eustice, to urge him to publish a response to the latest consultation on this important issue and to get on with implementation.
Theresa said “It’s now been over a year since the Government’s second consultation on DRS and we are still waiting for a response, something which would normally be expected within 12 weeks.”
“It looks like it may be 2024 before a scheme is implemented. We need to get on with this. The delay is partly down to the global pandemic. But now we have come through the Covid emergency, I’m keeping up the pressure for DRS to go ahead.”
“Hundreds of millions of containers are entering our environment each year. This is causing litter problems on our streets and in our parks, and it is also polluting our oceans. DRS could be highly effective in tackling these issues, as well as ensuring that we recycle more.”
“Any system must include glass, a 2019 Conservative Party manifesto commitment. I also want to see a broadly consistent approach across UK nations.”
Theresa has championed DRS for drinks containers. Over recent months has met various stakeholders to discuss it, including major drinks manufacturers. She has also been engaging with constituents on this issue, a number of whom have contacted her about the campaign by Surfers Against Sewage to get DRS up and running.
