The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is designed to tackle litter and boost recycling rates by encouraging people to return empty drinks containers instead of throwing them away.
The Government says the plans will help “stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our high streets, countryside, and oceans.”
What is changing?
Under the new rules, a refundable deposit will be added to eligible drinks containers when they are bought.
Once the empty bottle or can is returned to a designated collection point, shoppers will receive their deposit back.
The scheme will apply to single-use drinks containers made from:
PET plastic
Steel
Aluminium
It will cover containers between 150ml and three litres.
When does the scheme start?
The UK Government, alongside the Scottish Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, plans to launch the scheme in October 2027.
Businesses across the drinks industry will begin preparing before then.
What businesses will have to do
Under the Government’s guidance: “Everyone in the drinks supply chain must charge the deposit to their buyers when they sell filled drinks containers included in the scheme.”
This applies to:
Drink producers
Importers
Wholesalers
Retailers
Ultimately, consumers will pay the deposit when purchasing eligible drinks before reclaiming it when they return the empty container.
Why is the Government introducing it?
According to Defra, the scheme aims to:
Reduce litter
Increase recycling rates
Create higher-quality recycled materials that can be used to make new drinks containers
Ministers hope it will dramatically increase the number of bottles and cans being recycled instead of ending up in landfill or littering public spaces.
Recommended reading:
Who will run the scheme?
The scheme will be operated by the UK Deposit Management Organisation Limited, which was appointed in 2025.
The organisation will oversee the system across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including:
Meeting recycling targets
Managing the collection system
Publishing guidance for businesses
Running public awareness campaigns
Providing customer support
What happens next?
Businesses are continuing to prepare ahead of the October 2027 launch.
For shoppers, the biggest change will be paying a small refundable deposit whenever they buy eligible drinks in plastic bottles or metal cans—before reclaiming that money by returning the empty container for recycling.