Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers (bottles and cans)
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
We received 1180 responses to this consultation. We also received 207,089 campaign responses. We will be seeking to introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers in England and Wales into law via the Environment Bill.
We expect to consult on the proposed scope and model of the deposit return scheme in 2020. We intend to start the scheme no later than 2023.
Read the updated policy statement on the progress of the Environment Bill.
Original consultation
Consultation description
We want to know what you think about our proposals to introduce a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This would include drinks containers such as:
- glass bottles
- plastic bottles
- cans
The cost of the deposit would be added to the price of the drinks included in the scheme when they are purchased. This deposit would be redeemed when consumers return their empty drinks containers to a designated return point.
If introduced, we anticipate that a deposit return scheme will increase recycling and reduce littering of drinks containers included in the scheme.
Last updated 22 August 2019 + show all updates
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Updated an incorrect figure in the summary of responses and exec summary. "The majority (59%) of the 672 respondents to this question preferred the ‘all-in’ option, compared with 13% who preferred an ‘on-the-go’ scheme." should have been 69% and 15%."
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Summary of responses, executive summary and next steps added.
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First published.