REWARDS FOR RECYCLING BOTTLES AND CANS IN THE PIPELINE FOR 2027 LAUNCH

HOUSEHOLDS across the UK are poised to reap the rewards of their recycling efforts, thanks to the Government's new deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans, which aims to "clean up Britain" by encouraging the public to recycle.

- By ROM PRESTON-ELLIS & CLAIRE SCHOFIELD

As part of the initiative, residents can return their empty containers to designated collection points at major supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, where they will receive payment for each item returned.

This scheme, which has already proven successful in over 50 countries, including Germany, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland, seeks to increase recycling rates for the staggering 30 billion single-use drink containers purchased each year in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

Out of these containers, an estimated 6.5 billion, including 12 billion plastic bottles and 13 billion cans, go unrecycled and often end up as litter.

The scheme promises a more environmentally friendly future by offering a financial incentive for eco-friendly behaviour.