ENVIRONMENTALISTS in Stratford are backing the need for a deposit return system (DRS) to increase recycling rates in the country.
Litter-picking group Rubbish Friends is hoping to encourage the scheme, from which 38 countries already benefit, to reduce the amount of cans and bottles dumped across the district.
Although the DRS has been given the green light by the government, it is subject to a consultation and not yet clear whether all retailers of single-use drink cans and bottles will be required to participate.
And the group has teamed up with The Campaign to Protect Rural England which is also pushing for the scheme to be introduced to demonstrate its benefit.
The friends will count how many plastic bottles and cans they come across through September, and as part of a pick on Sunday September 30, a ‘reverse vending van’ will allow them to tot up the total amount of money made – with every bottle or can returning a token worth 10p, which can then be cashed in.
The pick will take place from 10am until noon from Morrisons’ car park where the vending machine will be located.
Search Rubbish Friends Stratford on Facebook for more details.
