Friday 26th April 2019
Paper Round’s charity partner, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is lobbying for the public to support an all in Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks and cans. The MCS is the UK’s leading marine charity, who believe too much is being taken out and too much is being put into our seas. Their scientists, campaigners, volunteers, fundraisers and researchers are passionate about creating a sustainable future for our seas. The UK Government is consulting on the introduction of DRS, where a small deposit on a bottle or can is applied and the money is redeemed when you return for reuse or recycling. The government want to ensure that should a DRS be introduced, it will be easy for consumers, leading to increased recycling rates and reduced litter. The MCS’s #bottlesforchange campaign urges the public to take part in the Government’s consultation for DRS, to make sure they implement the best possible system in England, Wales and N. Ireland. The case for action
- The UK Government wants to achieve ambitious recycling targets. The only way to achieve this is through public behaviour changes.
- The plastic bag levy led to a 47% reduction in the number of plastic bags found on our beaches – showing the impact of implementing UK wide schemes to incentivise behaviour changes.
- During 2018’s Great British Beach Clean (which we also took part in!), volunteers found an average of 16 drinks containers per 100 meters of UK beaches surveyed, highlighting the urgent need for change.
To take part in the consultation, head to MCS before Monday 13th May.
