1. Squaring the Deposit Return Scheme Circle

You might have heard of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), an environmental initiative designed to reduce litter and increase recycling by placing a small refundable deposit - around 20p - on single-use drinks containers. Consumers can get their deposit back upon returning the container to designated points, incentivising waste collection, encouraging responsible disposal and combating pollution.

In Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, the DRS is set to come into action in 2027, nearly a decade after it was first proposed. Wales plans to include glass in its DRS, a crucial difference, as the broader UK scheme excludes glass, despite its environmental footprint.

UK consumers use 25 billion single-use bottles yearly, over 6.5 billion of which are not recycled. That’s over 17 million plastic, glass, aluminium or steel bottles daily, contributing to polluted beaches, oceans and a growing emissions problem. 

A smaller-scale example of DRS success is already in action. West Suffolk Council has implemented a pioneering local scheme using reverse vending machines. Residents deposit plastic bottles and aluminium cans, earning points via the “Trovr” app, which can be spent at local and national retailers. This improves recycling and reduces litter, as well as supporting local businesses.

DRS is particularly effective for on-the-go waste - plastic bottles and cans often discarded in public spaces. If expanded nationally, DRS could significantly reduce waste, protect wildlife and contribute to a true circular economy. 

However, DRS should be seen as an initial process, not a final solution. Transitioning away from single-use towards a system of reuse is vital. This will require systemic and regulatory support for refill and reuse models, which will be expensive and demand change across industry, government and consumer behaviour. 

If we don’t make this change, the pollution and carbon footprint of our waste will grow exponentially. 

But how do we square the circle? What can we learn from countries doing it better? Follow this thread as we explore the answers to these questions…