CIVIC chiefs in Hampshire have backed a deposit return scheme to boost recycling.

Government ministers have announced that all drinks containers in England – whether plastic, glass or metal – will be covered by the scheme.

Around 40 countries already have versions of the system, which typically charges a deposit that is refunded when consumers return the drinks container for recycling.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “The council would welcome any initiative that could potentially increase recycling and reduce waste – particularly single use plastics.

“Our waste infrastructure is set up to recycle plastic bottles and cans collected from households, and it is not yet clear how widespread the proposed deposit facilities would be, which is a consideration in a large rural county such as Hampshire.”

The spokesperson added: “Plastic bottles and cans are already recycled as part of the kerbside recycling collections in Hampshire. Taking plastic bottles and cans out of this recycling stream could impact on local councils’ recycling operations.

“A bigger issue nationally is the use and production of other non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle plastics, such as black plastic food trays.”