"Councils are pleased to see some further details for how the deposit return schemes (DRS) would work, but need to understand how the implementation of DRS will work alongside other planned waste reforms, such as the plans for packagers to pay for waste processing. "
Responding to the Defra announcement on deposit return schemes, Cllr David Renard, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association said:
“Councils are pleased to see some further details for how the deposit return schemes (DRS) would work, but need to understand how the implementation of DRS will work alongside other planned waste reforms, such as the plans for packagers to pay for waste processing.
“DRS are another way of collecting waste, but it does not reduce the amount of packaging or require producers and retailers to reduce the amount of waste. We want to prioritise plans to reduce the amount of waste produced in the first place.
“Ultimately the public will likely continue to rely on councils to collect the vast majority of their household waste, and so it is disappointing a digital DRS system will not be taken forward as a cheaper option in closer step with the current waste system.
“Councils look forward to working with government and partners on wider waste reforms as a whole, focused on ensuring councils can respond to the needs of local communities in moving towards a circular and zero carbon economy.”