DRS delay will lead to 25 billion bottles and cans being littered, buried or burned 

Today’s Defra announcement of a further delay to the planned introduction of a deposit return scheme until October 2027 has been described as a ‘slap in the face for anyone who cares about the state of litter in this country’ by Keep Britain Tidy, which has long campaigned for its introduction. 

The charity says the new 2027 date for the introduction of scheme is ‘disastrous’ for the environment 

Commenting on the decision, the charity’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: "A deposit return scheme is the unparalleled opportunity this country has to get a grip on its disastrous relationship with litter and waste. 

“No other policy can boost recycling of a product to above 90% and reduce its littering by 85%, all with industry enthusiastically supporting it and agreeing to fund it. 

“This is our chance to tackle the drinks litter that makes up more than 70% of litter by volume in this country at the same time as dramatically improving recycling, and all without leaving the taxpayer out of pocket. 

“Their decision to postpone introduction to October 2027 is nothing short of disastrous for the environment and a slap in the face for anyone who cares about the state of litter in this country.  

 “This delay means oceans of bottles and cans will continue to needlessly pile up in bins and continue to be strewn on roadsides and in our green spaces, rather than being recycled. 

"The exclusion of glass is again hugely disappointing. Glass containers start fires and cause harm to people, pets and wildlife. This is why 78% of people want to see it included in a deposit return scheme. We are pleased to see that Wales look determined to pursue their best-in-class scheme and encourage the rest of the UK to follow suit.  

“We estimate that between now and October 2027 an eye watering 25 billion bottles and cans will be littered, buried or burned. So Keep Britain Tidy is urgently calling on any future government to make this the number one priority in the war against our spiralling waste crisis.”