AQW 17311/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 14/04/2021
Answered On Date: 27/04/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the deposit and return scheme for drinks containers and packaging.

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.