The government will consider the merits of deposit and refund schemes for drink containers following the release of new research praising the programmes.
Eunomia Research & Consulting has published a study which shows the positive effect the initiatives, which are prevalent throughout Europe, can have on recycling figures for bottles and cans.
The scheme would require consumers to pay a deposit when purchasing drinks containers, with those smaller than 500ml eligible for a 15p fee and larger bottles subject to a 30p charge.
Consumers could then reclaim this deposit when they return their container to a retailer or collection point.
Eunomia, who conducted the report on behalf of Campaign to Protect Rural England, claims it would lead to 90 per cent of containers being returned for recycling.
David Cameron has now confirmed the government will consider introducing the schemes after the issue was raised in the House of Commons.
Mr Cameron said: "I will certainly ask his right hon. Friend the Energy and Climate Change Secretary [Chris Huhne] to look at this issue and see if we can take it forward."
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the recycling industry includes; conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors
