Extended Producer Responsibility - Deposit Return Scheme
As of October 2025, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland are working towards launching a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use containers in October 2027. Wales have recently signalled their intention to introduce their own DRS in line with the launch date and work is currently ongoing to ensure interoperability between these schemes.
In January 2025 the UK Government enacted legislation to establish this scheme in both England and Northern Ireland, as follows: The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2024.
In May 2025, UK Deposit Management
Type of Change
Legislative, Statutory
Affected Stakeholders
Include:
- Producers
- Retailers
- Trade Associations
- Citizens
- Local Councils
- Department of Infrastructure – Permitted Development Rights
- Department of Economy – Price Marking Order
Changes
A DRS for single use drinks containers is a circular economy initiative that will create a closed loop recycling system, guaranteeing the material is returned and recycled into new drinks containers. The role of the UK DMO will oversee the day-to-day operations of the DRS, and will be required to set the deposit amount, manage the network of return points, and have oversight of the material and financial flows. The scheme will enable consumers, who will pay a refundable deposit on the in-scope containers they purchase, to have a deposit redeemed at a designated return point e.g. Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). In scope materials will include PET plastic, steel and aluminium drink containers (150ml – 3L).
Status
The UK DMO is making strong progress with its operational setup, including office relocation, IT infrastructure development, secured funding, and key leadership appointments. The UK DMO continues to actively engage with industry stakeholders and suppliers on operational planning. Discussions with waste management companies on the collection and processing of materials is underway, and the RVM specifications have recently been finalised. Discussions also remain ongoing between officials in the three nations and stakeholders as DRS implementation progresses.
Expected Timeline
DRS 'go live' date is October 2027.