Common Seas’ Post

🌍 At City to Sea, we're in support of any move the government makes to tackle single-use plastic waste. Drinks containers make up 75% of litter and are found on 93% of UK beaches (KBT 2022)… but positive changes are happening, like in Ireland, where their #depositreturnscheme led to the return of 347 million containers in just 6 months! A well-designed DRS can achieve up to 90% return rates—a real opportunity to reduce waste. However, we need to aim higher ⏫ After delays and challenges, it's time for a more unified, ambitious approach that's fit for a returnable and refillable future. Want to know how? Join us at the #GlobalReuseSummit! A dedicated panel will delve into the policy framework needed to establish reuse at scale. (find the ticket link in comments 👇) A circular economy requires both recycling AND reuse. We urge the government to set a higher standard for a cleaner, reuse future🌱 https://lnkd.in/gMquwWw2

Last week, it was announced that the House of Commons officially passed the Deposit Return Scheme regulations! 👏 The Deposit Return Scheme aims to support recycling in the UK and contribute to reducing litter, thereby conserving natural resources and mitigating environmental pollution. ♻️ David Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs, commented “With the world consuming resources faster than they can be replenished, this is a great step forwards for the circular economy and keeping precious, finite materials in circulation. This scheme should significantly cut down littering, plastic pollution and our carbon footprint. It is predicted to create 21,000 jobs and generate £21bn investment in our economy. Indeed, in Ireland, where the DRS scheme has been in effect since February 2024, over 630 million containers were returned in the first eight months.” Follow this link to read more: https://lnkd.in/e3jHwdTj #DepositReturnScheme #DEFRA #DRS #Recycling #Sustainability #HouseofCommons

DRS is in the headlines again - But this time, it’s not about Formula 1! While Formula 1’s Drag Reduction System gives drivers a speed boost, the current plans for Deposit Return Schemes in recycling might just be heading to the pits. 🏎️💨 The recent decision by the Welsh Government to pursue its own deposit return scheme (DRS) raises critical questions for the future of recycling in the UK. With the Recycling Association labelling DRS a “disaster from start-to-finish”, here’s why some people are urging a rethink: 1. Confusion & Duplication: Critics argue that DRS creates confusion and duplicates existing kerbside recycling systems. 2. High Costs: Developing the DRS has cost billions, diverting funds from enhancing our current recycling infrastructure. 3. Success without DRS: Many councils are achieving high recycling rates without the need for a DRS. The Welsh withdrawal emphasises the importance of a unified and practical approach to recycling, based on proven systems including extended producer responsibility. But even as we discuss these potential policy shifts, it is essential not to let legislative changes sneak up in your wing mirrors. Staying ahead in the evolving regulatory landscape is crucial for businesses, and it is important to consider: - Updating internal policies; - Re-negotiating contracts with customers and suppliers; - Preparing for any potential new liabilities; and - Getting familiar with any new compliance and regulatory responsibilities Let’s focus on accelerating towards a sustainable future together! 🌍♻️ #Formula1 #DRS #Sustainability #Recycling #DepositReturnScheme #EnvironmentalPolicy #WasteManagement #LiveryClimateAction #London #CircularEconomy #BusinessStrategy #RegulatoryCompliance #CorporateLaw #SustainabilityLaw #DisputeResolution #RiskManagement Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London

Wales has achieved a 66% Recycling & Reuse Rate by having an ambitious and progressive Welsh government policies, community engagement and targets, coupled with investment in recycling infrastructure, and a collective commitment to environmental sustainability. It makes sense for Wales to pause and want to review the cost and return on investment by implementing Deposit Return Scheme and associated logistics, as opposed to increasing collection success rates. Newport council sends 70% of its household waste to Recycling & Reuse compared to a UK national average of 41%. So it is time to reconsider DRS across the other three nation and think of using that money to investment in collections. #wasterrcycling #LiveryClimateAction #sustainability

Great analogy Lucy Demmon and summary of challenges in implementing DRS. Team 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 have been the standout performer on household recycling at 66%, whereas the rest of the home nation pack struggle at 41%. In the Recycling Drivers Championship makes little sense for them to invest heavily in a new car, when they are keep investing in marginal gains and still be ahead of the pack. With the new EPR Regulations in the alternative Recycling Constructors Championship the sustainable Glass and Metal Teams will be unfortunately hampered by the new rules. So a difficult season ahead. #circulareconomy #sustainability #glassrecycling

♻️ Deposit Return Scheme confirmed for 2027 – A win for recycling, but Is it ambitious enough? ♻️ After years of discussion, the UK government has confirmed that a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will launch in October 2027, aiming to boost recycling rates and cut litter. 💡 How will it work? 🔹 Consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks in plastic or metal containers (150ml-3L). 🔹 They get their deposit back when they return the empty container to a collection point. 🔹 A Deposit Management Organisation will oversee the scheme, funded by producers. 🌍 The potential impact ✅ Countries with DRS achieve recycling rates of up to 98% (Germany leads the way!). ✅ The scheme could reduce billions of wasted drinks containers every year. ✅ £10bn+ investment and 21,000 new jobs expected in the circular economy. 🚨 But what about glass? While Wales and Scotland plan to include glass bottles, England and Northern Ireland will not. This has sparked criticism from green groups who argue that excluding glass undermines the scheme’s impact. 🔊 Industry reactions 🌱 Allison Ogden-Newton MA FRSA, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy: "A Deposit Return Scheme really is a silver bullet that will get plastic drinks bottles and aluminium cans out of our parks, off our streets, and away from our rivers and seas. This legislation will save taxpayers millions in clean-up costs and give recycling a real shot in the arm." 🌊 Sandy Luk, Chief Executive, Marine Conservation Society: "Last year, 97% of surveyed UK beaches were polluted with bottles and cans. DRS will not only boost recycling but also significantly reduce this kind of pollution. Today marks a fantastic win for our seas." 💬 The big question: Will a delayed and glass-free DRS be enough to drive real change? The UK is years behind other nations in rolling out a Deposit Return Scheme. Now, with a clear timeline, the challenge is to design a system that truly works—for the environment, consumers, and businesses. What do you think? Is this scheme ambitious enough, or should we push for more? Let’s discuss! ⬇️ #DepositReturnScheme #Recycling #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #PlasticWaste #CleanFuture

Deposit return scheme to be launched in England and Northern Ireland in October 2027!! The UK Government has officially announced the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), set to go live in October 2027! 🗓️ Consumers will receive a financial incentive to return empty plastic and metal drink containers (150ml to 3 litres) to collection points, such as supermarkets or reverse vending machines. This scheme, already successful in over 50 countries, has proven to boost recycling rates significantly – with countries like Germany achieving a 98% return rate! 🌍 Here’s why this matters: ✅ Reduced Litter: Millions of bottles and cans will be diverted from our streets, rivers, and oceans. ✅ Higher Recycling Rates: Valuable materials will be recycled and reused, moving us closer to a circular economy. ✅ Economic Growth: The scheme is projected to create 21,000 new jobs and stimulate over £10 billion in recycling investment over the next decade. While the scheme excludes glass in England and Northern Ireland (unlike Scotland and Wales), it’s a significant step forward in reducing waste and protecting our environment https://lnkd.in/ercr6H48

♻️ DRS in England and Northern Ireland! ♻️ The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been approved by the House of Commons and will roll out in October 2027. How it works: A deposit is added to drinks containers at purchase and refunded when returned. Plastic, aluminium, and steel are included – but glass is notably absent, a move that reduces up-front costs but leaves questions about glass recycling unanswered. #Sustainability #DRS #CircularEconomy #Recycling #PlasticWaste #UKGovernment

CAMPAIGN UPDATE: UK Government has today announced its plans to move forward with a #DepositReturnScheme in all UK nations. This is a welcome development and will significantly reduce plastic and metal from polluting our seas and beaches 🙌 Our CEO Sandy Luk shares, "This is great news, because we know that these systems really work. They reduce litter and increase recycling. But it's a huge disappointment that the new scheme isn’t going to start for another three years and isn’t going to cover glass bottles. "For our ocean’s sake, we can’t keep kicking the can – or bottle – down the road. We call on the UK Government to speed up this law and to follow Wales' ambition to include plastic, metal and glass. Then every country in the UK can have a world-class deposit return scheme!” Read our full blog here: https://lnkd.in/d522KEG6