The Marine Conservation Society is the UK’s leading charity for the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife. For over thirty years MCS has been the voice for the sea for all the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves, for our breath-taking coastal environment, for all those who make a sustainable living from the sea and for everyone who simply enjoys visiting the beach and our glorious coastline.

We believe too much is being taken out and too much is being put into our seas. Our scientists, campaigners, volunteers, advocates, data experts, fundraisers, divers and researchers are all passionate about creating a sustainable future for our seas.

Our wildlife is suffering, our fish stocks are dwindling and our seas and shores are being polluted. Together, we can stick up for our precious seas. There are lots of ways you can get involved, locally and nationally, and we have the tools to help you make a difference in your community and beyond. With human activity having such a detrimental effect on the state of our marine environment we are at a pivotal point in how the future will pan out.

Deposit return system

Drinks containers such as glass, plastic bottles and aluminium cans are a blight on our beaches. MCS surveys show that drinks containers are frequently among the top 20 litter items found on UK beaches and that the frequency of these items has increased by 4% since 2015.

How would it work?

For every drinks container you bought, you would pay a small deposit. When you return the drinks container to a collection point such as the retailer or supermarket- you would get this back. Simple!

Does it work?

Such systems can reduce littering, increase high quality recycling and reduce costs for local authorities. Like the carrier bag charge, it’s a simple idea that can have an immediate effect.

Deposit return systems (DRS) already work well in over 40 countries or states worldwide including parts of Australia, Norway, Lithuania and some US states. In South Australia which has a DRS only 2.9% of litter is beverage containers. In Western Australia with no DRS, drinks containers make up 13% of litter.

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