Bradford households are set to be paid for taking their empty plastic bottles back to local supermarkets next year.
A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is set to be rolled out from October 1, 2027, to help reduce waste.
People will receive a small payment for bringing back any empty bottles and cans to collection points with no receipt needed.
Shoppers to be paid for returning empty bottles to supermarkets
The dedicated collection points will be found at a range of supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s.
There will also be collection points at convenience stores and newsagents that sell drinks.
The empty plastic bottles and cans will be recycled, and shoppers will be paid for their returns.
Shoppers will be charged a small deposit when they buy drinks in plastic bottles or metal cans.
They will get this deposit back when they return the empty containers to shops.
The deposit will be paid back to customers either by cash, voucher or card.
The Deposit Return Scheme is being delivered by Exchange for Change, who have confirmed a 20p deposit will be applied to all in-scope containers.
Travis Way, managing director at RVM experts EcoVend, part of international circular economy specialists Reconomy, told The Express: “While much of the industry had anticipated a flat 20p deposit, its confirmation is a helpful step forward for businesses preparing for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme.
“A flat rate also brings practical benefits for businesses by simplifying implementation, reducing administrative complexity and supporting more consistent system design across retailers, producers and return operators.
“Having greater clarity at this stage allows retailers, producers and operators to plan with more confidence, particularly when it comes to infrastructure, cashflow and customer engagement.
“A simple, uniform deposit should also support consumer understanding and mirrors other well-established European schemes.
“With further detail still to come and the Deposit Management Organisation continuing to develop the framework, this remains a critical period for industry preparation.
“Continued engagement and education with retailers will be key to ensuring a smooth and effective rollout.”
The scheme will be introduced across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with Wales developing its own DRS scheme.
It is expected the 20p deposit will also apply to the Welsh scheme with customers receiving their payment when their containers are returned.
The scheme hopes to reduce litter and increase recycling rates across the UK.
Several other countries such as Sweden and Germany have already introduced similar schemes.
What do you think of the Deposit Return Scheme? Let us know in the comments.
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