Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Ruth Jones (Labour) on Monday, 16 October 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 October 2023. It was answered by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Bottles: Deposit Return Schemes

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps with her counterparts in the devolved Administrations to agree a UK-wide approach to glass bottles in deposit return schemes.

Answer

UK Government believe it is essential that all Deposit Return Schemes for drinks containers across the UK are interoperable.

This includes having aligned materials in scope across the UK. The UK Government oppose inclusion of glass in DRS. The inclusion of glass would add cost and complexity to the schemes, particularly to hospitality and retail sectors, as well as adding consumer inconvenience. We received strong representations from relevant businesses, including distillers and the hospitality sector, about the impact on trade and in particular consumer choice created by permanently different arrangements on glass within the UK internal market.

We want to ensure that the schemes operate seamlessly for businesses and consumers across the UK and do not create unnecessary barriers to trade. Defra is working closely with devolved administrations at pace on the next steps.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
202748
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Devolution Bottles Glass Deposit return schemes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk