AQW 17311/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the deposit and return scheme for drinks containers and packaging.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 14 April 2021
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 14 April 2021
- Answer due by
- 29 April 2021
- Answered
- 27 April 202113 days after tabling
- Priority question
- No
Answer
I launched a public consultation on deposit and return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers on 24 March 2021 which will close on 4th June 2021.
The consultation seeks views on proposals to introduce a DRS for drinks containers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales whilst recognising that any DRS should form part of a coherent packaging producer responsibility system across the UK. It sets out details on how a DRS could be managed, financed and operated.
It proposes that materials for inclusion in the DRS are PET plastic bottles, steel and aluminium cans, and glass bottles. This includes a broad range of drinks, including water, soft drinks, juices and alcoholic drinks where they are sold in containers made of these materials. Implementation is planned for 2024.