Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh highlighted the scheme's significance in tackling waste, protecting wildlife, and promoting economic stability and job creation.

The DRS is expected to contribute to economic growth while also enhancing recycling efforts and reducing rubbish accumulation.

This program is modeled after successful deposit return schemes in over 50 countries, including Germany, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland.

Under the DRS, households will receive financial incentives for returning empty containers to designated collection points at major supermarkets like Tesco and Asda.

Consumers will pay a deposit on drinks, which can be refunded upon returning the containers, encouraging participation in the recycling process.

Currently, around 30 billion single-use plastic drink containers are purchased annually in the UK, with an alarming 6.5 billion going to waste.

The UK government is set to launch a deposit return scheme (DRS) for plastic drinks containers in England and Northern Ireland by October 2027.

This initiative aims to provide financial incentives for recycling, thereby increasing recycling rates and reducing litter in public spaces.

The scheme will cover single-use drinks containers ranging from 150ml to three litres, made from both plastic and metal.

Research from 2023 revealed that 97% of surveyed UK beaches were polluted with drinks-related items, underscoring the urgent need for effective recycling initiatives.

The government anticipates that the DRS will create approximately 21,000 new jobs and stimulate over £10 billion in investment in recycling over the next decade.

Countries with existing DRS programs have seen impressive results, with an average return rate of 90%, and Germany achieving a remarkable 98% return rate.