AVA chief executive David Llewellyn
The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) is calling for its members in the vending industry to submit their Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) consultation responses ahead of the deadline on 4 June 2021.
With the deadline now less than a month away, the AVA is urging its members to act quickly and submit DRS consultation responses directly to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) either online, via email or in writing. To encourage submissions, the AVA will provide a suggested response ahead of the deadline to all members that can be amended with individual company details and updated with any additional points before submission.
The packaging consultations on the DRS, along with the EPR, both aim to improve material re-use, encourage recycling and help reduce littering. The AVA believes it is important for members to take action and prepare, to ensure this legislation is achieved within a fair and financially equitable structure.
The DRS proposals, due for implementation in England, Wales and N. Ireland in 2024, suggest that where vending is the only source of ‘in scope drinks containers’, then a deposit return mechanism will not be mandatory. The DRS consultation also outlines that ‘disposable single use cups’ will not need to be included as part of a DRS scheme, as there is a compulsory cup return scheme outlined in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) consultation which would be more effective.
David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA, said: “The aim of this new legislation is to improve material re-use, encourage recycling and help reduce littering which, of course, the AVA supports wholeheartedly. However, it is important to the AVA, that our members and those in the wider vending industry have their voices heard through this current consultation in order for what is introduced to be measured and practical. As with any legislation changes, the financial impact on our members can be huge so getting involved now to have their say on the future of the industry is absolutely vital.
For more information on the Defra consultation and how to submit your response, head to: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/environment/consultation-on-introducing-a-drs/
