The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers is officially scheduled for launch on 1 October 2027 in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Wales is pursuing a parallel scheme that includes glass. 

Under DRS, consumers pay a small deposit when buying a drink in a plastic (PET), aluminium, or steel container (150 ml–3 L), and reclaim that deposit by returning the empty container through Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) or designated points. 

Timeline & Scheme Phases

Phase 1 (By Spring 2025):

• DRS legislation in place across UK administrations

• Appointment of Deposit Management Organisation(s) (DMO) begins

Phase 2 (Spring 2025 – Spring 2026):

• DMOs set up operations, including leadership, funding, logistics, IT, deposit level, labeling rules, and RVM specifications 

Phase 3 (Spring 2026 – Autumn 2027):

• Infrastructure roll-out by DMOs: collection centres, digital systems, reverse vending deployment

• Retailers prepare installations; producers update packaging and reporting systems; public engagement campaigns begins

1 October 2027:

• Ruling live — consumers can return containers and reclaim deposits; DRS operations go fully live. 

Why DRS Matters

• Consumers: gain refund via convenient returns; incentivises recycling.

• Producers & Retailers: required to register with DMO, apply deposits, label compliant packaging, and report volumes. 

• Recyclers: gain cleaner, high-quality materials.

• Local Authorities: potential reduced kerbside volumes but opportunities to support scheme logistics.

• Environmental Impact: Aims to dramatically increase return rates (<90%) and reduce plastic and metal waste entering streets and ecosystems. 

Challenges Ahead

• Ensuring interoperability across devolved schemes.

• Rolling out RVM infrastructure nationally and equitably.

• Aligning DRS with Simpler Recycling and EPR to avoid conflicting messaging.

• Stakeholder coordination across supply chain, retail, and public sector.

Global Insights

• Countries like Germany, Denmark, and Sweden achieve 90%+ return rates through central systems and strong fee structures.

• Delays and political divergence, especially concerning glass inclusion, remain points of concern. 

Hear from Experts at The Recycling Expo

Curious about how DRS will work in the UK? You’re not alone. Explore solutions with:

Sielaff UK Ltd, Velorim Group Ltd., World Metal Exchange, Waste Equipment Supplies Ltd., Beyondly Global Limited, MPMA, RECOUP — and discover hundreds of other exhibitors advancing deposit return innovation.

📅 7–8 October 2025 | ExCeL London
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