What is the Deposit Return Scheme?
The Deposit Return Scheme is one of the most significant environmental policy shifts in decades.
From 1 October 2027, a small refundable deposit (around 20p) will be added to every eligible single-use plastic bottle and aluminium can sold in the UK. Consumers get it back when they return empty containers to a registered collection point or reverse vending machine.
The aim is to divert an estimated 24.5 billion drinks containers per year into a dedicated closed-loop recycling system — dramatically improving recycling quality and reducing litter nationwide.
The DRS affects every business that sells, serves or manages drinks in single-use containers — but obligations vary by sector and size. It will also impact offices and workplaces where staff will need to be able to dispose of cans and bottles to receive their deposit.
Read our full guide to the Deposit Return Scheme for the background and timelines.
How the DRS Affects Different Sectors
Supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and newsagents that sell in-scope drinks must host a return point unless they qualify for an exemption. Retailers must also register with Exchange for Change, refund deposits at the point of return, store returned containers for collection, and display clear scheme information.
Explore our DRS reverse vending machine solution for retailers or talk to a DRS consultant.
Hospitality venues including pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and theatres are not required to be mandatory return points currently under the Exchange for Change (EfC) scheme. However, it expected that they will be included in a second phase of the DRS rollout.
Find our more and talk to our DRS consultants to prepare for the future roll-out for hospitality and to get a free waste audit to see the percentage of eligible containers in your recycling.
Your office or workplace is not required to operate a DRS return point, but the scheme will affect how containers are managed across your existing waste streams. Your staff will be buying drinks in containers that carry a refundable deposit, so it is worth giving them an easy way to return them at work and claim it back.
Talk to our DRS consultatants today and explore our DRS solutions for workplaces without the full cost of a reverse vending machine solution.
Producers of plastic bottles and cans covered under the scheme will be required to pay deposit charges to wholesale suppliers on eligible containers, with costs passed along the supply chain. Containers must be correctly labelled and DRS-compliant ahead of October 2027.
Talk to our DRS consultants about how First Mile can support your business in the transition to DRS.
What drinks containers are included in the Deposit Return Scheme?
The scheme covers most single-use plastic drinks bottles and aluminium or steel drinks cans between 150ml and 3 litres. Glass bottles are not included in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland under the UK-wide scheme.
Do offices need to become Deposit Return Scheme collection points?
No. Offices and workplaces are not required to operate a return point. However, many businesses are introducing convenient collection solutions so employees can reclaim deposits while improving recycling rates.
Can hospitality businesses opt out of the Deposit Return Scheme?
Hospitality businesses serving drinks for consumption on the premises are not currently required to operate mandatory return points under the initial rollout. However, the scheme is expected to expand over time, so it's worth preparing in advance.
What is a reverse vending machine?
A reverse vending machine (RVM) accepts eligible drinks containers, checks they are part of the scheme, and refunds the customer's deposit. They help retailers comply with Deposit Return Scheme requirements while making returns quick and simple.
When does the UK Deposit Return Scheme start?
The Deposit Return Scheme is due to launch on 1 October 2027 across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. From this date, consumers will pay a refundable deposit on eligible drinks containers when they purchase them.
