The announcement means that he is throwing his weight behind an ‘all-in’ recycling system that covers every size of drinks bottle and cans across a broad range of packaging materials. This would give the public, what he calls, the “greatest possible incentive” to recycle.
Mr. Gove stated at the event, held at Kew Gardens on the 16th July, that he was in favour of an ambitious scheme that included glass as well as plastic bottles and cans.
Managing Director of TOMRA Collection Solutions UK & Ireland Truls Haug says: “It is fantastic to see the case for a comprehensive deposit return scheme for bottles gathering pace with Mr Gove’s fresh backing.
“We fully support his belief that an ‘all-in’ scheme covering the full range of sizes and materials would give ‘a clearer financial and social signal to recycle’ while underlining the message that urgent action is required in order to combat climate change.
“It’s particularly pleasing that England is taking a similar approach to Scotland, which has taken a lead on DRS in recent times with its circular economy strategy that aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible.
“We firmly believe that a comprehensive DRS model that is convenient and easy to use will achieve the best return rates.
“The system safeguards material quality, ensuring containers can be recycled back into new bottles and cans - reducing the reliance on the raw materials needed to make new containers, and waste ending up in landfills or in nature as litter.”
TOMRA has already operated a number of deposit return trials with retailers across the UK and is ready to assist businesses as they prepare themselves for the introduction of a DRS.
