A return to a bottle deposit system gained “overwhelming public support” in a poll commissioned by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

According to the Ipsos Mori poll, 82% said they would support a scheme where a five pence deposit was included in the price of a drink container. About 80% also said they would support a 10 pence deposit scheme. Even more people (90%) said they thought the deposit would help reduce street litter, which costs about £500m to clean up each year.

These results have come as a Government commissioned Review of Packaging Deposit Systems for the UK, has been published by Environmental Resources Management.

CPRE President Bill Bryson said: “We asked Government to consider a review of bottle deposit systems earlier this year, and we know Ministers will be looking at the results as part of their strategic review on packaging. This public poll proves that such a scheme would have huge support, so we say that now is the time for the Government to take action.

Bryson cited examples where schemes have offered good return rates:

* New York State’s bottle bill has rates of 65-80%;
* South Australia has plastic bottle rates of 74% and can rates of 86-92%;
* Denmark has a beverage container rate of 87%
* Sweden has a beverage container rate 82%

A deposit system could have particular advantages at Christmas. The UK uses an extra 750 million bottles and glass containers and 500 million drinks cans during the festive period. With a 10 pence deposit this could equal £125 million given back to the consumer at Christmas alone.