Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's to pay you for bringing empty bottles back

Wales Daily Life 2019
-Credit:(Image: Getty)


UK households are set to be financially rewarded for returning empty bottles to their local supermarket, as part of a new initiative aimed at combating plastic waste. The government has committed to "clean up Britain" with a fresh deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans, offering a monetary incentive for individuals to bring back their empty containers.

Households will be able to return their used bottles and cans to collection points located in supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's, where the items can then be recycled. Those who return their containers to these collection points will receive payment.

The deposit return scheme, already implemented in over 50 countries globally including Germany, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, encourages recycling of single-use bottles and cans. The UK government estimates that consumers across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland purchase around 30 billion single-use drinks containers annually, comprising 12 billion plastic bottles and 13 billion cans.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Doctor shares four warning signs of liver cancer usually only detected when it's too late'

READ MORE: DWP issues warning over payments which 'didn't scratch the surface'

Of these, approximately 6.5 billion single-use drinks bottles and cans per year are wasted instead of being recycled, often ending up as litter. It is hoped that the financial incentive provided by the scheme will significantly reduce the volume of plastic waste.

The initiative is set to roll out in October 2027 across England and Northern Ireland, encompassing single-use plastic and metal drinks containers ranging from 150ml to three litres, reports the Express.

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Scotland is also making progress with its own regulations, paving the way for the scheme's implementation across the three countries.

ADVERTISEMENT

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh stated: "This Government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society. This is a vital step as we stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets, rivers and oceans and protect our treasured wildlife.

"Turning trash into cash also delivers on our Plan for Change by kickstarting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs."

Sign up for the latest breaking news and top stories from StokeonTrentLive on WhatsApp