Extended Producer Responsibility - Deposit Return Scheme for single use drinks containers
As of February 2025, Northern Ireland is advancing plans to implement a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use drink containers. The UK Government enacted legislation to establish this scheme in both England and Northern Ireland, with a targeted launch date of October 2027, as follows: The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2024 - came into force 24th January 2025. Work is also ongoing in Scotland for all 3 Nations to 'go live' in October 2027.
Type of Change
Legislative, Statutory
Affected Stakeholders
Include:
- Producers
- Retailers
- Trade Associations
- Citizens
- Local Councils
- Department of Infrastructure – Planning Development Rights (PDR)
- Department of Economy – Price Marking Order
Changes
With the enactment of the legislation allowing for the scheme to be established in England and Northern Ireland, aiming for launch in October 2027 which includes:
- The appointment of a Deposit Management Organization (DMO) by April 2025, to run the scheme, which must be an independent, not for profit, private body.
- The role of the 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 the deposit redeemed at a designed return point i.e. Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).
- In-scope materials will include PET plastic, steel, and aluminium drink containers (150ml - 3L).
Status
- The DMO application process closed on 3rd February 2025.
- The 3 Nation DMO application assessment process is now underway.
- The selection of a DMO is expected in April 2025.
See the Extended Producer Responsibility - Deposit Return Scheme for single use drinks containers page for more details.
Expected Timeline
- The next significant milestone is the appointment of the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) in April 2025 as previous .
- DRS 'go live' date is October 2027.