One of the UK largest waste management companies has said that a deposit-return scheme would be a "win-win" situation for the environment.

David Palmer-Jones, chief executive of Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, has said that a UK-wide scheme for plastic bottles would make environmental and economic sense.

That comes amid reports that Government officials believe a DRS would be "unlikely" as part of a national litter strategy.

Speaking to Resource magazine, Mr Palmer-Jones said a DRS would put "pounds in the pocket of both households and business through reduced waste disposal costs and reduced need to buy raw virgin materials".

He said: "The country has already made huge leaps in the past decade, shifting from a throw-away society to culture of re-use and recycling, but we can't waste an opportunity to make further improvements.


Documentary: Plastic pollution in our oceans

"A bottle deposit scheme would help consumers and producers make the step-change required to reinvigorate the country's stalling recycling performance and help us to unlock the value in packaging as a commodity, which can be put back into the supply chain rather than throwing it away."

Mr Palmer-Jones argued that introducing such a scheme would mark a step towards a circular economy.

He added: "This really is a win-win solution for the environment, manufacturers and ordinary households who are ready to help bring about change."

Reports last week claimed the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) were reluctant to pursue a DRS scheme following mixed results of a trial in Scotland.

The Industry for Packaging Research and the Environment (INCPEN) has played down the impact a deposit scheme would have on litter, the magazine added.

Supporters of DRS have said it would reduce litter and the amount of plastic entering the oceans.

Sky has launched its Ocean Rescue campaign to raise awareness of the damage being caused to our marine environment worldwide by single use plastics.

:: You can find out more about Sky Ocean Rescue and get involved by visiting the campaign's website and you can also watch our documentary, A Plastic Tide.