England is planning to introduce a deposit scheme for single-use glass and plastic bottles, and steel and aluminium cans, subject to consultation.

The move is a bid to cut waste and boost recycling, increasing prices and incentivising more responsible behaviour – a similar plan has been announced for Scotland, and Wales has launched a study to consider a deposit scheme. Similar schemes in northern Europe have led to a large increase in plastic recycling.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “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."

However, the industry is concerned about the price tag, and that it may be asked to foot the bill for the scheme. Plastics producers currently pay just 10% of the cost of packaging recycling. Councils will also want to ensure kerbside collecting isn’t undercut by the deposit process.