SOME 73 percent of Britons want the new Labour government to press ahead with a deposit return scheme for all drinks containers including aluminium cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles.
The poll was commissioned by Alupro.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults was conducted by Yonder between 30th August to 1st September 2024.
Some 65 percent of those polled said Whitehall should follow the example of the Welsh Government colleagues by setting binding recycling targets for local authorities.
More than 8-in-10 of those Britons who expressed an opinion in the poll said Labour should be bold in pushing through key environmental policies.
Some 82 percent of Britons said they wanted Labour to ‘right the wrongs’ of 14 years of Conservative Government.
Campaigners fear key environmental pledges will be delayed as the Labour Government prioritises fixing the public finances.
Deposit return schemes in all four nations of the UK have been subjected to multiple delays, and wrangling over the scope of materials included.
Currently glass is set to be excluded from schemes in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland and included in Wales.
But today’s poll revealed Britons want an inter-operable scheme that includes all materials across the UK no later than 2027.
A DRS would place an additional charge on drink containers that can be recouped when they are returned to a collection point.
Experts say the deposit should be variable depending on the container size to mitigate the risk of people reaching for larger plastic bottles to avoid paying multiple deposits on smaller endlessly recyclable items such as aluminium cans in multipacks.
The poll has been published ahead of Labour Party Conference 2024 in Liverpool.
The conference will see experts debate how Labour can deliver a Real Circular Economy.
Tom Giddings, Alupro Executive Director, said: “The Great British public could not be clearer. They want Labour to get on and deliver for the environment. They do not want landmark environmental policy such as deposit return schemes to be delayed beyond 2027. Britons have waited long enough for Whitehall to do right by the environment. I look forward to discussing in Liverpool how Labour can deliver a real circular economy for this and future generations.”
Allison Ogden-Newton Chief Executive Officer, Keep Britain Tidy said: “We have long campaigned for a deposit return scheme including all materials. We have heard countless stories of people and pets being endangered by littered glass, as well as our volunteers who struggle with removing broken glass from the environment as it cuts through plastic waste bags.”
CEO of the Aluminium Federation, Nadine Bloxsome has also commented on Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds’ Announcement on the UK’s Industrial Strategy: “We at the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) welcome the recent announcement from Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in the Financial Times about the government’s commitment to developing a robust UK Industrial Strategy. This is a positive step forward for British industry, particularly the aluminium sector, which plays a critical role in the nation’s economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. ALFED has long advocated for a comprehensive industrial strategy that supports key manufacturing sectors, addresses trade challenges, and fosters a competitive and sustainable industrial landscape.
The announcement aligns closely with the priorities laid out in our ‘UK Aluminium Manifesto’, where we called for a coordinated UK Industrial Strategy. Our industry needs a clear vision and cohesive policy framework to thrive in the face of global competition and environmental challenges. We are excited to see who will be part of the new government team, shaping this strategy and look forward to working alongside them to ensure aluminium continues to be a driver of innovation and economic value for the UK.
By focusing on key areas such as trade, sustainability, and skills development, the government has an opportunity to ensure the UK aluminium industry remains a global leader, while protecting jobs and building a resilient, forward-looking economy. We are optimistic about what lies ahead and eager to contribute to this pivotal conversation.”
To learn more about what Johnathan Reynolds MP said in his announcement, please visit: UK to resurrect ‘industrial strategy’ in bid for global funds, says Reynolds (ft.com)
