Supermarkets Launch Cash Rewards for Recycling Plastic Bottles

• UK government launches new deposit return scheme to tackle plastic waste.
• Major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s to host recycling points.
• Financial incentives for households to return single-use plastic and metal drink containers.
• Scheme set to roll out across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in October 2027.
• Similar schemes globally have achieved 90-98% return rates.

A new government initiative, aimed at reducing plastic waste across the UK, is set to offer financial rewards for households who return empty plastic bottles to participating supermarkets. The plan will roll out in 2027, with prominent retail giants like Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's offering convenient recycling points.

The scheme will help reduce the 6.5 billion bottles and cans that currently go to waste every year, most of which end up littering the streets. Although the specific incentive amount hasn't been revealed, the government promises that households will receive financial rewards for each returned container, with hopes to replicate the success of similar initiatives in countries like Germany and Sweden, which boast return rates of up to 98%.

According to Mary Creagh, Circular Economy Minister, this will be a key step in addressing the growing issue of plastic pollution. "This Government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society," she said, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of the scheme.

The deposit return scheme is also seen as a crucial part of the UK’s broader efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy. The initiative is expected to create green jobs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, said, "This is an excellent initiative that could transform how we recycle in the UK. Not only does it promote environmental sustainability, but it also gives consumers a financial incentive to participate, making recycling more appealing.