A litter-picker has slammed the Government for a “ridiculous” decision made regarding a new recycling scheme that could “seriously harm” the British public and the UK's wildlife.

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is set to launch in October 2027 in England and Northern Ireland.

It aims to tackle Britain's waste crisis by offering financial incentives for returning containers to collection points.

The initiative is part of Labour's pledge to “end the throwaway society and clean up Britain” through new legislation targeting drinks containers.

Around 6.5 billion of 30 billion single-use drinks containers end up as waste rather than being recycled

The scheme will cover single-use drinks containers ranging from 150ml to three litres, made from plastic and metal. Glass is not included.

Scott Gibbins, self-described “very keen litter picker” and part of Leicestershire Litter Wombles, told GB News that not including glass in the scheme will have a serious impact.

He said: “It’s a ridiculous decision, glass can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its quality.

“It also often gets smashed which can cause serious injury to humans, wildlife and our beloved pets which then require a vet to give medical attention at a considerable cost.”

Scott Gibbins told GB News that not including glass in the scheme will have a serious impact

Similar initiatives to the DRS are already operating successfully in more than 50 countries, including Germany, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland.

However, the exclusion of glass bottles sets England and Northern Ireland apart, with 49 out of 56 similar schemes including glass containers.

In countries where glass containers are not included, a separate return system for glass is usually in place.

Gibbins said: “The more of these items we recycle the less will go into landfill which has its own problems in the environment.

“The more aluminium ,plastic and glass that's recycled means less resources & energy are used in the production and extraction.”

The exclusion of glass bottles sets England and Northern Ireland apart from other countries with similar schemes

Households across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland purchase an estimated 30 billion single-use drinks containers annually

A Keep Britain Tidy poll recently found that 73 per cent of Britons would back the inclusion of glass in the scheme.

Announcing the DRS, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: “This Government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society.”

“This is a vital step as we stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets, rivers and oceans and protect our treasured wildlife.”

Households across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland purchase an estimated 30 billion single-use drinks containers annually.

Around 6.5 billion of these containers end up as waste rather than being recycled.