Mary Creagh, minister with responsibility for circular economy, has said the government plans to launch a deposit return scheme for drinks containers before October 2027.
Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper asked Creagh whether the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), whether he plans to introduce a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers before October 2027.
Responding to the parliamentary question, Creagh said: “Yes. This government is committed to creating a roadmap to a zero-waste economy – a future where we keep our resources in use for longer; waste is reduced; we accelerate the path to net zero, we see investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs; our economy prospers; and nature thrives.
“We are reviewing the suite of packaging reforms and are going to work with our devolved government counterparts, industry and other stakeholders to determine the next steps for the DRS. I would be happy to update the House in due course.”
This government is committed to creating a roadmap to a zero-waste economy.
In March, the then Defra Secretary Conservative MP Steve Barclay told the Environmental Audit Committee that the 2025 DRS start date was “unrealistic” and 2027 was now “more likely”.
The Conservative government went on to announce a revised timeline for the launch of a nationwide DRS by October 2027.
Environmental campaigners have urged the Labour government to prioritise introducing a “comprehensive” DRS.
Last week, Mary Creagh was confirmed as the Minister of Nature in Defra with responsibility for circular economy.
Creagh was elected as the MP for Coventry East in July after previously serving as the MP for Wakefield from 2005 until 2019 when she lost her re-election bid to Conservative Candidate Imran Ahmad-Khan.
Creagh served as Shadow Environment Secretary between 2010 and 2013 when Ed Miliband, the current Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, was Labour leader.
She also chaired the Environmental Audit Committee between 2016 and 2019.
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management reaction
CIWM’s Director of Innovation and Technical Services, Lee Marshall, commented: “CIWM is encouraged by the Minster’s announcement that the collection and packaging reforms are being reviewed, however, we note that there are no details available yet on when they will be implemented.
“CIWM’s stance on DRS is that it should be paused for now to allow for consistent collections and packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) to be implemented and embedded.
“Once these are in place and their impact known, the need for DRS can be accurately reassessed and, if appropriate, the possibility of utilising a digital system can be explored.
“In the meantime, CIWM would urge swift progress on delivering consistent collections and packaging EPR. These reforms have been delayed for too long and the sector needs the certainty from government on the way forward.”
Industry reactions
Commenting on the Minister’s comments, Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, said: “Just this week we saw that the mandatory charge on plastic bags resulted in an 80% reduction in this type of litter appearing on Britain’s beaches.
“A DRS for drink containers is a proven next step to help create Labour’s promised circular economy. Abroad, countries such as Germany have enjoyed successful return rates of over 90%.
“The fast implementation of a DRS is a big call from a government whose manifesto was strangely lacking in environmental commitments, and it has far-reaching effects. But to work properly it must encompass all drinks containers, whether made from plastic, aluminium or glass and it should be seen as the first step toward truly reusable packaging.
“We are pleased to see Labour getting off on the right foot with a plan for a fast and comprehensive roll-out ahead of the planned 2027 schedule but as ever the devil is in the detail.”
A consistent, UK-wide approach is the best way to ensure value for money and to drive up the UK’s disappointing recycling rates.
Jim Bligh, Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging at The Food and Drink Federation, said: “It’s good to see the government committing to putting a DRS in place as part of plans for a circular economy.
“This means that drinks containers will be able to be recycled and used again more efficiently and easily, which is good news for the environment, companies and consumers.
“It’s critical that the UK’s governments now work closely together to ensure the scheme is easy to use and understand, operating under the same rules and with the same labels across the four nations.
“A consistent, UK-wide approach is the best way to ensure value for money and to drive up the UK’s disappointing recycling rates.”
Mandatory food waste reporting
Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse asked the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to introduce mandatory food waste reporting.
In response, Creagh said: “The government is committed to setting a clear roadmap to a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced.
“The ministerial team are reviewing policies to address the challenges associated with tackling food waste in the supply chain, and these will be announced in the usual way.”
