Trade Giants Express Disappointment Over Government's 2028 Delay to Cash for Plastic Scheme
Source: The DairyNews
Major retailers, including Danone, have expressed their disappointment following the government's decision to delay the flagship recycling scheme until 2028. The deposit return scheme (DRS), which aims to give consumers cash in exchange for recyclable bottles and cans, has been under development for seven years, with an initial consultation in 2017. Retail leaders consider the three-year delay "deeply disappointing" and voiced concerns about the impact on the supply of recycled plastics.
Danone, a key industry player, stated, "It is currently challenging to get the quality and quantity of recycled material we need here in the UK, and we believe a deposit return scheme (DRS) would significantly improve this. Danone UK & Ireland fully supports the implementation of a DRS and is ready to work across the industry and with the government to achieve the new date and prevent any further delays."
The Federation of Independent Retailers national president, Muntazir Dipoti, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the scheme's potential to boost recycling and curb litter. Dipoti hoped for an earlier implementation, stating, "By learning from the flawed scheme in Scotland, we hoped that a UK-wide scheme would be operational long before 2028."
The UK consumes 13 billion plastic bottles annually, with the current recycling rate at 57%. The delay in the DRS follows a series of postponements in green policies, raising concerns about the government's commitment to environmental initiatives. While the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reaffirmed its dedication to waste reduction and resource improvement, it did not deny the reported delay in the deposit return scheme.
The government's decision to postpone the DRS aligns with previous delays in green policies, including the extension of the ban on new petrol and diesel cars to 2035 and the deferral of a gas boiler ban to the same date. Despite the setbacks, officials emphasize ongoing collaboration with the industry to ensure the success of waste reduction and resource improvement reforms.
The Federation of Independent Retailers national president, Muntazir Dipoti, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the scheme's potential to boost recycling and curb litter. Dipoti hoped for an earlier implementation, stating, "By learning from the flawed scheme in Scotland, we hoped that a UK-wide scheme would be operational long before 2028."
The UK consumes 13 billion plastic bottles annually, with the current recycling rate at 57%. The delay in the DRS follows a series of postponements in green policies, raising concerns about the government's commitment to environmental initiatives. While the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reaffirmed its dedication to waste reduction and resource improvement, it did not deny the reported delay in the deposit return scheme.
The government's decision to postpone the DRS aligns with previous delays in green policies, including the extension of the ban on new petrol and diesel cars to 2035 and the deferral of a gas boiler ban to the same date. Despite the setbacks, officials emphasize ongoing collaboration with the industry to ensure the success of waste reduction and resource improvement reforms.
