Deposit Return Scheme in England – our response
January 20, 2023
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The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has announced its plan for the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in England, which is planned to be introduced in 2025.
Our Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “Sustainability is a key focus for hospitality and, as part of the sector’s goal to reach net zero by 2040, venues have already made great strides to reduce plastic use and maximise recycling.
“As we have seen in Scotland, the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme is a colossal and complex undertaking. Lessons must be learned from that scheme, in particular the need for ample time to bring businesses along on the journey to ensure it is workable. The Government’s planned implementation in 2025 is an encouraging start.
“There will be nuances between sectors which need factoring into the scheme’s design. For example, the operation of an online takeback scheme is simply not practical for hospitality. We would encourage the Government to provide an exemption for this, like in Scotland.
“In order for this scheme to be a success, it needs to be designed in tandem with industry and it’s positive that the Government has made that commitment today.”
Members can read a detailed overview of the proposals here.
Deposit Return Scheme in England – what is being proposed?
