To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether there is a difference in the operating costs of a deposit return scheme depending on whether there is a (i) variable rate deposit; or (ii) flat rate deposit.

I launched a public consultation on 24 March 2021 which will close on 4th June 2021 on a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers, which seeks further views on optimal deposit level.

The set-up and operational costs of a DRS for drinks containers will be met through producer fees paid by producers of in-scope drinks containers and material revenue from recycling the returned drinks containers. The deposit level should not impact the operational cost of the scheme because it is refundable and essentially should be cost neutral.

The link to the consultation document can be found on the following link. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/introducing-deposit-return-scheme-england-wales-and-northern-ireland