Campaigners have celebrated after the government announced the introduction of a deposit return system (DRS).

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) congratulated the government on its decision to introduce a nationwide return system (DRS) for plastic and glass bottles, as well as aluminium cans.

The introduction will help boost recycling rates and combat littering in the countryside.

The CPRE has labelled the decision as a watershed moment for recycling in the UK, given that similar systems around the world produce high results.

The decision came following a call for evidence in October last year, which investigated how the littering of plastic, metal and glass drinks containers could be reduced, as well as the recycling of them increased.

The evidence submitted was examined by retail giants such as Coca-Cola and Tesco, alongside other members of the Voluntary and Economic Incentives Working Group, which CPRE provided the secretariat.

CPRE has campaigned for the introduction of DRS for 10 years.

There has been increasing pressure from environmental organisations, the media and the public for more action to be taken against the tide of waste that is polluting natural environments, with single-use drinks containers being a huge contributor.

Samantha Harding, Litter programme director at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "This is a brilliant and significant decision by Michael Gove.

"I am thrilled that we will finally see the many benefits of a deposit system will bring to England, not least the absence of ugly drinks containers in our beautiful countryside.

"What's significant is that producers will now have pay the full costs of their packaging, reducing the burden on the taxpayer and setting a strong precedent for other schemes where the polluter pays.

"This really is a bold and exciting step by the government."