English consumers will soon have to pay a deposit when buying drinks that come in single-use plastics, glass bottles and cans.
The deposit will increase prices but consumers will be able to claim back that money when they return containers.
The scheme, which is expected to include single-use glass and plastic bottles and steel and aluminium cans, is subject to government consultation.
Details, such as how much the deposit will be, are yet to be decided, although the drinks industry may be asked to pick up the bill for the deposit return scheme.
Environment secretary Michael Gove said plastic was “wreaking havoc” on the environment.
He added: “We have already banned harmful microbeads and cut plastic bag use, and now we want to take action on plastic bottles to help clean up our oceans.
“We need to see a change in attitudes and behaviour. And the evidence shows that reward and return schemes are a powerful agent of change.”
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