It was confirmed in the Queen’s speech at the State Opening of Parliament today the Environment Bill will include measures to tackle use of plastics and recycling, including the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) and an extended producer responsibility (EPR).

Queen formally announces violent crime bill at State Opening of Parliament

A similar scheme was passed by the Scottish parliament in May 2020, to be available across Scotland from July 2022, but which has suffered multiple delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On the subject of the environment, ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The Environment Bill is the opportunity to tackle plastic waste and reduce littering, and we want to make these new measures workable for local shops.”

“Working with the government to make the Environment Bill a success is one of ACS’ top priorities for the new parliament.”

Other measures announced today include:

• A new Skills and Post-16 Education Bill to “support a lifetime skills guarantee”
• A Subsidy Control Bill will set out post-Brexit regulations on how the government can support private companies
• Extension of 5G mobile coverage and gigabit-capable broadband
• An independent Office for Environmental Protection to be created
• A Health and Care Bill to address complex health challenges such as obesity and smoking

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