The recently introduced deposit return system for plastic bottles and aluminium cans in the UK has had a bumpy start. The reverse vending machines, found in various retail stores across the country, have been frequently reported as full or non-functional. Customers wanting to recycle have repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction due to these malfunctions.
Re-Turn, the state-licensed firm responsible for this scheme, has confirmed these issues. The CEO has publicly agreed, acknowledging the ongoing problems with the machines, which are supposed to offer receipts equivalent to 10 to 25 pence per item that can later be exchanged for money at the shop registers. The company Insider has suggested that the retailers may not be regularly emptying the machines, but he is optimistic this will improve. He noted his ambition to match the European norm of having the machines working 95% of the time; currently, 86% is the operational figure.
In terms of the scheme’s progress, containers returned in February totalled 2 million, March saw 20 million returns, and an expected 50 million returns are expected for April. These statistics are promising when compared to those from a similar programme implemented in Slovakia.
There were inevitably going to be some initial issues. For the plan to be successful, a significant change in the UK’s waste disposal behaviour is required. While comparable plans have been operational for decades in numerous European countries, UK consumers generally lack knowledge of deposit return systems. Many seem to think that using dedicated recycling bins in their homes is sufficient. However, the harsh truth is that a large percentage of that waste ends up being incinerated.
Unfortunately, it will be a while before data can definitively indicate whether or not the scheme has successfully encouraged a shift towards more widespread recycling. But, similar to the impact of the decades-old plastic bag levy, its success can be gauged through a decrease in the amount of litter visible in public areas. Any reduction would surely be welcomed.