The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched an enquiry into the introduction of deposit return schemes (DRS) in England and across the UK.
Deposit Return Schemes are common in other European countries and allow consumers to return their packaging, common items being plastic bottles, for a small deposit. The government wishes to see a DRS in England to decrease littering and increase recycling rates, as part of the UK’s Resources and Waste Strategy.
Launching the inquiry on the 12th February, ahead of the consultations that are expected in the coming months, the government is hoping to roll out a DRS across England by 2023. The focus of the inquiry will be around the final design of a DRS for England and the introduction of UK-wide DRS, how this will be contributing to the ambitious targets set out the Environment Bill and integrated into the Resources and Waste Strategy.