Environment secretary Michael Gove has announced a new call for evidence on a bottle deposit return scheme in England.

During his speech to the Conservative Party conference on Monday, Gove said: “We are looking to go further to reduce plastic waste by working with industry to see how we could introduce a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles.

“Our oceans are our planet’s greatest natural resource and this government is determined to ensure we restore them to health for the next generation.”

Gove has asked organisations and individuals to share their views with the government on the advantages and disadvantages of different types of reward and return schemes for plastic, metal and glass drinks containers. The call for evidence opened this week and last for four weeks.

The Association of Convenience has urged the government to consider the negative impact that such schemes would have on the sector.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Introducing a deposit return scheme would have a significant impact on the sector, costing stores money, reducing the space in stores and causing delays at the till.”