In a debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday 21 January MPs voted by a majority of 352 to 75 in favour of the bill as it was presented last year.
The proposed law aims to reduce littering, boost recycling and help protect wildlife.
It means pubs and other hospitality venues can opt in to become a DRS point for single-use metal and plastic drinks containers, effective in England and Northern Ireland from October 2027.
Key milestone
Under the plans, customers would be charged a deposit fee when purchasing a drink in a single-use container, which can be redeemed when returned to a DRS point.
However, voices from across the sector have previously warned the cost implications of the new measures, including the installation of DRS points similar to vending machines, for hospitality venues would be significant.
British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) director of strategy and policy Andrew Tighe told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) the update marked a “key milestone” in the DRS’ development but warned the scheme would bring added “complexity” to hospitality businesses.
He said: “This is a key milestone in the development of a Deposit Return Scheme for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and we are working closely with members and wider industry on how we can implement this in the most cost-effective manner.
Divergent schemes
“However, it must be acknowledged that a DRS comes at a significant cost and brings added complexity to a sector already facing huge cost challenges and operating on very narrow margins.
“This is especially the case with divergent schemes, and we will continue to engage with DEFRA and the Devolved Governments to seek greater alignment across the UK.”
It has been reported glass would not be included in the English scheme due to the considerable up-front costs it would add.
A DRS has already been implemented in Scotland, while the Welsh Government recently announced plans to move away from the UK-wide approach and keep glass as part of its scheme.
