The public’s support for a Deposit Return Scheme continues to be strong, according to a recently published survey.

In early 2018, then Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced that a DRS would be introduced in England. 

Consumers would pay a small deposit on top of the price of a drink, which is then refunded when the bottle or can is returned to a designated destination. 

The proposed launch for the scheme is now 2024, seven years after Westminster first announced it.

The Scottish Government has already committed to having a Deposit Return Scheme in place by 2022, leaving England and Wales falling behind.

The Marine Conservation Society has shared the results of a public survey which shows the continued support of the public for Deposit Return Schemes (DRS). 

In England, 77% of adults said they supported the scheme and in Wales, 72% of adults were in support.

The charity surveyed the public’s opinion of a DRS in 2017, finding similarly high levels of support for the scheme – 73% in England and 71% in Wales.

Dr Laura Foster, Head of Clean Seas at the Marine Conservation Society says: “Deposit Return Schemes would have an immediate and tangible impact on the amount of drinks related litter we see on the UK’s beaches year in, year out. 

“Apart from the progress in Scotland, the other UK governments have offered nothing but empty promises since 2017 and it’s high time there were firm commitments and frameworks put in place.”

A YouGov survey commissioned by the charity this month found that across England and Wales, the public are supportive of a DRS including not just plastic bottles (77% in England and 76% in Wales), but also glass (75%), cans (67% in England and 63% in Wales) and cartons (57% in England and 58% in Wales).

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