Following a statement from the Welsh Government on the implementation of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), the Welsh Conservatives have raised concerns over the continued inclusion of glass and the risks of a fragmented UK-wide system.
Money back on the bottle
The glass bottles in which the pop was sold were a valuable commodity and, from the beginning, the company operated a system of ‘money back on the bottle’, thus ensuring that generations of school children would augment their pocket money by collecting discarded bottles and turning them in to shop and door to door sellers.
While Labour Ministers claim to support cooperation with the rest of the UK, their refusal to fully align the scheme raises questions, especially when businesses have made it clear that divergence will cause operational complications and added costs.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, said:
“While we welcome the accelerated timetable to align partially with the rest of the UK, keeping glass within the scheme’s scope means the Welsh Labour Government’s approach remains out of step and disjointed with the UK Government.
“It can be no coincidence that when the Conservatives were in Government at Westminster, Labour in Wales insisted on being different for the sake of it, now they’re suddenly open to compromise.
“The Welsh Conservatives have been calling for the implementation of a DRS since 2016, taking inspiration from schemes around the world and with thousands crossing the Welsh – English border on a daily basis and with trade between both nations fluid, having a consistent and aligned scheme is essential.”
From the Grocer: UK-wide deposit return scheme to go ahead after Wales backs down
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