Press Statement 
28 March 2018 

Action on packaging important but more work to do on DRS, says CIWM

Responding to the Government’s announcement today that it plans to introduce a deposit return scheme for single use drinks containers following a consultation later this year, CIWM has said that government action on packaging is important and welcome but there is a lot of detail still to be worked through on the scope and implementation of a DRS scheme. 

Dr Colin Church, chief executive of CIWM, said:

“The Government’s clear intent to act on packaging and develop new measures and interventions to promote reduction and recycling is very welcome. However, any new schemes or taxes must be considered and implemented as part of a wider, coherent set of policies to deliver the ambitions on zero avoidable waste and greater resource productivity that have been expressed in the last few months. 

“In scoping the ‘reach’ of any DRS system, it will be important to ensure there are no unintended consequences, such as the potential for a threshold effect which might see the size of beverage containers adjusted in future to fall outside the DRS criteria, for example.  There also continues to be concern about the impact on local authority collections which must be explored more fully. These and a range of other issues have still to be debated and Zero Waste Scotland’s current work looking at the options should also be an important contribution.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors: 

1. CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing around 5,500 individuals in the UK, Ireland and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non-profit making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contact:
Pat Jennings
Head of Policy & Communications
Tel: 01604 620426 
Mob: 07912 228260 
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk