Forum Topic

Plastic Soup &  Our Delayed Again Deposit Return Scheme

So apparently no sooner had the Plastic Soup Surfer returned from a trip across to more of Europe picking up the UK's plastic along his way and from other countries' shores he met with Parliamentarians to discuss the problem.Following which there was another representation from the glass lobbyists and our promised Deposit Return Scheme is delayed once again.  That's politics and why it is so often difficult to move forward!I understand it is about 40 other countries who have managed to achieve this goal and we and the US are apparently the most plastic packaged countries in the world.https://www.sas.org.uk/updates/the-plastic-soup-surfer-hits-parliament/

Philippa Bond ● 1144d18 Comments

Nothing gets recycled in the US despite what they say.Lobbyists run riot through our parliament.

Basil Finnis ● 1144d

Unfortunately most people in the UK don’t have the space to store containers for a deposit return scheme. I would think that to return enough items to collect a ‘worthwhile’ deposit, people will load up their cars causing more journeys, energy waste and pollution.

Steve Taylor ● 1144d

You don't need to store unless you are a business or partying every night surely!

Philippa Bond ● 1143d

People have jobs to go to and lives to live. They can’t be continually having to return to shops to collect a few penny’s. Of course they will have to store until worthwhile to make the return.  And of course in true British tradition, most will simply not be bothered to return them.  Brits are good at whinging about not having enough money, heat or eat, etc etc., but when it comes to the crunch they are not prepared to put in much effort to help themselves.  Our generous benefits system assures them of this.

Steve Taylor ● 1143d

So what is your real reason for disliking this system which works in at least 40 other countries?

Philippa Bond ● 1142d

If you generally shop at the same shop at least once a week, it is not very difficult to take the empties back on your next visit and bring the new purchases home in the same bag.

Richard Greenhough ● 1142d

My Dad used to get the kids to return bottles to the off licence and theywere allowed to keep what they got.

Janice Evans ● 1141d

https://www.rezero.cat/en/campanyes/retorna/

Philippa Bond ● 1141d

“So what is your real reason for disliking this system which works in at least 40 other countries? “I don’t dislike it. As an environmentalist, I love it. But I am also a realist.  It works in other countries because the mindset and ethos is different. Brits are lazy and have different demographics and morals about litter, recycling, driving etc. Similar to cycle lanes which work so well in Holland, Denmark, France, Germany etc. The cyclists behave with respect for all other cyclists and road users. Here in the UK the cyclists behave like hooligans and sociopaths with no regard for other people.

Steve Taylor ● 1141d

Agree with Steve Taylor 100%. Brits are lazy!!! Post Brexit farmers can't get enough people to gather crops. British only last one day apparently then have to give up. They should be made to do it or have their benefit stopped.

Juliet Hogg ● 1139d

Nigel Farage is a twat!!!

Juliet Hogg ● 1139d

Why?

Brian Coyle ● 1137d

https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/falkirk-glass-collection/The problems that haven't been sorted so that the DRS is again delayed and the costs arising.

Philippa Bond ● 1133d

Some years back the Chiswick branch was part of a pilot m&s scheme to recycle soft plastics. It seemed to work well and gave one much self satisfaction.Then I gather it's recycling contractor stopped the activity and I gather Hounslow Council took over collections from the Store...but they rarely, if ever turned up! Thankfully the Richmond branch continues its plastics recycling service .. to the satifaction of keen "recyclists" like me.

Jim Lawes ● 1133d

Richmond has a well run Council unlike Hounslow

Steve Taylor ● 1133d

Try comparing the amount of money - or better said contrasting - the difference  in council income per capita between Richmond and Hounslow.  Things are a lot easier for Richmond, which is one of the wealthiest boroughs. Hounslow most definitely is not.

Sue Rowe ● 1133d

I still hate the amount of flexible plastic that certain supermarkets are using.  I'm sure we don't need all of this and sadly it can mean a lot more effort to sort and dispose of.  It irritates me no end when what seems to be identical flexible plastic often from the same supermarket which is marked up differently. Waitrose take certain flexible plastic as do Tesco and Morrisons.  This is done by the larger stores.  The downside is that unfortunately these collection bins in the stores are often it seems just used as mixed rubbish bins by customers.We still await the Govt's decisions on a recycling system that is the same across the different LAs!  As well as that there are supposed to be extended producer packaging responsibilities being introduced.Unfortunately we have situations like the following which are so very disappointing:https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2023-08-14/ocean-of-plastic-and-tents-left-behind-after-boardmasters-festival

Philippa Bond ● 1130d

And the post-festival waste is a demonstration of too much money to waste and lack of responsibility!

Philippa Bond ● 1129d