Deposit Return Scheme Starts on 1st October 2027

Empty drinks bottles and cans often end up as litter or in the wrong bin instead of being recycled. Deposit return schemes are designed to change that by giving people money back when they return eligible containers. The new system will affect shoppers, retailers and drinks producers across the UK, although some of the rules differ between nations. This guide explains how the scheme will work, which containers are included and what you need to know before it begins.

What is the deposit return scheme?

A deposit return scheme (DRS) adds a refundable amount to the price of certain drinks sold in single-use containers. You pay the deposit when you buy the drink. When you return the eligible empty container to a scheme return point, you can reclaim the deposit.

The aim is to encourage more drinks containers to be returned for recycling, rather than being put in general rubbish or becoming litter. The schemes are legally separate across the UK, although they are being designed to work together so that containers can be returned across national borders under the relevant rules.

Which bottles and cans will have a deposit?

In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the scheme covers eligible single-use drinks containers made wholly or mainly from:

• PET plastic
• Aluminium
• Steel

The container must hold between 150ml and 3 litres. It must also meet the scheme’s other requirements, including being a qualifying single-use drinks container. The material and size alone do not mean every bottle or can is included.

Some packaging is outside the scheme. For example, the England and Northern Ireland guidance excludes containers made from HDPE, such as many milk bottles, and certain products such as liquid medicines and flavourings that are added to drinks. Always look for the scheme mark on the packaging rather than assuming that every bottle or can qualifies.

Why are the rules different in Wales?

Wales is including glass drinks containers in its deposit return scheme, unlike England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where glass is not included at launch.

The Welsh scheme covers qualifying single-use containers made from PET plastic, steel, aluminium and glass, between 150ml and 3 litres. However, glass has a four-year transition period. During this period, glass containers will be included in the scheme but will carry a zero-pence deposit and will be exempt from the scheme labelling requirement.

This means the Welsh arrangements for glass will not work in the same way as the deposit-bearing plastic and metal containers. The detailed operational arrangements for Wales should be checked against Welsh Government and scheme administrator guidance as they are confirmed.

How much is the deposit?

Exchange for Change, the organisation delivering the scheme in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, has confirmed a flat 20p deposit for every eligible container.

The 20p rate is confirmed for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wales has its own legislation and transitional arrangements for glass, so check the Welsh scheme’s guidance for the applicable deposit rules.

What about multipacks?

The deposit is charged on each eligible drink container, not once for the multipack as a whole.

The deposit applies to the individual drink containers. The outer packaging, such as plastic wrap or cardboard used to group the drinks together, is not itself a deposit-bearing container.

How do you get your deposit back?

Return the empty eligible container to a participating return point. Depending on the location, this may be:

• A reverse vending machine, where you place the container into a machine.
• A manual return point, where a member of staff accepts the container.

The refund method may vary by return point and scheme. It could be provided as cash, a voucher or another approved payment method. The exact arrangements will be explained by the retailer or return point operator.

Keep the container in a condition that allows it to be identified and accepted. Follow the instructions displayed at the return point, including any requirements about emptying the container and keeping its scheme label or barcode readable.

Can you return a bottle to a different shop?

You should not need to return a container to the exact shop where you bought it. The UK schemes are being coordinated so eligible containers can be returned through participating return points across the UK, subject to the rules that apply in the nation where you return them.

For example, SEPA’s guidance confirms that packaging from a drink bought in England can be returned to a registered return point in Scotland. The schemes are intended to make cross-border returns practical, but check the scheme mark and the instructions at the return point.

What happens if you buy drinks online?

Online sales of eligible drinks are covered by the relevant scheme rules. The way you return the empty containers may depend on the retailer and the nation where the purchase is made.

Some retailers or service providers may offer a takeback service, collecting eligible containers when making a delivery. This is not something you should assume every online retailer will provide. If there is no takeback service, you can use a participating physical return point.

Do you have to use a reverse vending machine?

No. Return points can be automated or manual. A reverse vending machine is one way to collect containers, but some shops may accept them over the counter or use another approved collection arrangement.

The type of return point available will depend on the retailer, premises and scheme arrangements.

Will every shop have to accept empty bottles and cans?

No. Retailers that sell eligible drinks will have responsibilities under the scheme, but the requirement to operate a return point depends on the type of retailer, the premises and any exemption that applies.

In England and Northern Ireland, certain small urban grocery retailers can be exempt from the mandatory return point requirement. Retailers may also be able to apply for an exemption in specified circumstances, such as where a nearby return point is available or the premises cannot reasonably accommodate one. Scotland and Wales have their own detailed rules.

Some businesses, including hospitality venues and other organisations, may be able to operate voluntary return points. More detailed information for retailers and producers is available from the relevant scheme administrator and environmental regulator.

What happens if you do not return a container?

You simply do not get the deposit back. You can still use an existing household recycling service if it accepts that type of container, but putting the container in your normal recycling does not automatically trigger a deposit refund.

Unclaimed deposits are used to help fund the operation of the scheme. The deposit is intended to encourage returns, not to act as a permanent price increase for people who return their containers.

Do you need to do anything before 1st October 2027?

No. Consumers do not need to register or apply before the scheme starts.

When the scheme launches, check drinks packaging for the scheme identification and follow the instructions at participating return points. If you want to reclaim the deposit, keep the eligible container and return it through the scheme.

There may be a mix of older stock and newly labelled products around the launch date. In Scotland, SEPA explains that drinks already made available for sale by producers before 1st October 2027 are treated as non-scheme articles and should not carry a consumer deposit. Retailers must make this clear at the point of purchase.

Deposit return scheme: differences across the UK

The four nations are introducing schemes on the same date, but the materials covered and some operating rules are different.

All four schemes are planned to start on 1st October 2027. The 20p deposit has been confirmed for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wales has separate legislation, including its transitional arrangements for glass.

General information: This article provides general information about the UK deposit return schemes. It is not legal or business compliance advice. Check the relevant government, regulator or scheme administrator guidance for the latest requirements.