Recycling could be increased and littering reduced if bottles carried a 10p payment for returning them, according to a new government study.
Around 20 years ago, glass bottle deposits were common in the UK, but were phased out with the cheap availability of cans and plastic bottles, which were discarded after use.
As the country runs out of landfill, bottle deposits could reappear.
The government conducted a feasibility study that found the financial incentive of 10p per returned drinks container would increase recycling while reducing litter.
A deposit, however, would make drinks more expensive for those who are unable to return to a shop and claim their deposit. The plan would also require a large infrastructure investment, and potentially draw funds away from kerbside recycling efforts.
The report, prepared by Environmental Resources Management Limited, concluded that for such as system to be introduced drinks manufacturers would have to be stopped from designing cheaper, throwaway containers.
The idea, which was favoured by the government in the past, is now being considered once again, in light of this report.
Ben Stafford, who is the head of campaigns at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), commented that according the results of the study, the scheme could be considered.
www.erm.com
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