In a question to the First Minister of Wales, Janet Finch-Saunders MS – the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – has urged the Welsh Government to confirm that any future legislation for adopting an ‘all-in’ Deposit Return Scheme would ensure that plastic caps and lids were also accepted.
Earlier this year, Mrs Finch-Saunders secured a commitment from the First Minister that proposals for an all-Wales deposit return scheme will be brought before the Senedd in the Autumn.
A prolific campaigner on the issue, the Shadow Minister also used the first Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee meeting of the Sixth Senedd to clinch a commitment that the Welsh Government will introduce an ‘all-in’ deposit return scheme.
Commenting outside the Siambr, Janet said:
“Last November, I was incredibly proud to have brought forward a legislative proposal for a Bill that would make provisions to introduce a DRS. Importantly, a majority of 34 Members backed my proposal.
“In my conversations with drinks producers, it has been made clear that the sector remains supportive of introducing a well-designed DRS that ensures no end user is left confused. Ensuring that any DRS is ‘all-in’ would guarantee compatibility across the UK, but also assist with participation levels.
“We know that between 77% and 83% of recent survey participants reported they would use a DRS on most occasions for the five types of containers explored, including plastic bottles, as well as glass bottles and metal cans for all soft drinks and alcoholic drinks.
“But we need confirmation that such a plan would also accept plastic caps and lids. This is especially pressing given that the Marine Conservation Society’s 2021 Great British Beach Clean found 18.7 caps and lids per 100 m stretch of beach, meaning that they remain in the top five litter items found in Wales.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS attending an MCS beach clean in Llandudno.
