Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 27 June 2023 to Question 190527 on Deposit Return Schemes: Glass, how many representations her Department received from businesses against the inclusion of glass in the deposit return scheme for England and Northern Ireland; and from whom.

Businesses have been clear that adding glass to a deposit return scheme will add fundamental complexity for our pubs and restaurants, increase burdens on small businesses, whilst creating greater inconvenience for consumers.

Among other considerations, the UK Government took into account strong representations made by relevant businesses, including distillers and the hospitality sector.

Concerns raised included:

• Handling costs and equipment complexity. Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) will need to be emptied more frequently and will carry additional safety risks associated with handling broken glass in retail environments.
• For retailers offering a manual take-back service, glass bottles will require more space to be stored safely which could disproportionately impact on small retailers.
• In addition, points were raised regarding, the weight of glass and the potential for breakages also posing increased inconvenience for consumers.

More broadly, the additional cost and complexity imposed on the scheme if glass were to be included.