Gove calls for a bottle deposit return scheme ASAP

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has called for a bottle return scheme to be introduced throughout the entire UK “as soon as possible”, adding that “change needs to come” on plastic waste.

A report by Zero Waste Scotland exploring how a bottle return scheme would work in Scotland was commissioned in late June by the Scottish Parliament. The report, due to be published later this year will explain the impact on independent retailers after fierce resistance from retailers and trade bodies such as the SGF and the ACS.

Despite Gove’s strong support, he hinted to Sky News that his department would be watching and waiting for the report before committing to a deposit return scheme policy, stating the importance of building a scheme “that others can buy into” and adding that it was important “to make sure it will work properly before guaranteeing we will implement it.”

Gove also said a deposit return scheme would need the “enthusiastic embrace” of retailers for the scheme, and pledged to work with retailers to earn it. Gove referenced alleged collaboration with retailers on the plastic bag charge, even though nearly every trade group for independent retailers disagreed with the charge being limited to multiples.

The Environment Secretary may find it hard to win over retailers with 71% stating they either do not have space or would have to change their store to make space for a deposit return scheme. While the NFRN offers luke-warm support for a deposit return scheme both to promote the role of convenience stores in the communities to ensure independent retailers get a scheme that works for them, both SGF and ACS adamantly oppose the system and have pledged to fight it regardless of the report’s outcome.

Harris Aslam, owner of Eros Retail which runs five convenience stores across Fife in Scotland told Retail Express: “Despite the political pressure, recycling targets and increased consumer awareness, we are yet to get curbside right. Knowing this, what confidence can the public have that the introduction of a complex logistical reverse supply chain system like DRS will help?”

Groups in favour of the scheme such as Have You Got The Bottle? Say a bottle return scheme could provide convenience stores and newsagents with a lucrative revenue. They point towards countries such as Estonia with high levels of voluntary participation from independent retailers.