Should the UK adopt a ‘deposit return system’ for plastic bottles?

A scheme where consumers are paid to recycle drinks containers is favoured by the public, a survey has revealed.

Nearly three quarters of 3,386 people asked said they supported a 20p deposit on plastic and glass bottles and aluminium cans, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) poll showed.

The idea is that customers can then get the deposit back when they return the items for recycling.

It is already being rolled out across Scotland and could soon hit the rest of the UK if the public approve.

Numerous other countries already have similar systems in place, including Germany, New Zealand and Denmark.

There are also calls for the scheme to include other materials, such as Tetra Pak cartons.

Michael Gove backed the scheme in his final speech as environment secretary and now his successor, Theresa Villiers, is being urged to make sure it happens.

Maddy Haughton-Boakes, litter campaigner at CPRE, said she hoped the public support for the scheme would send a message to Whitehall.

She said: ‘It’s absolutely fantastic that so many people have shown such high levels of support for the scheme before it’s even been introduced.

‘A deposit return system will transform the way we deal with waste, boost recycling and, as a result, finally put a stop to the harm that drinks containers are causing our countryside, environment and wildlife.

‘With Michael Gove having thrown his weight behind a truly “all-in” deposit return system, and with the Scottish government’s decision to introduce one earlier this year, this latest wave of public support is surely all the evidence needed for the Government to get this over the line.’