Policy paper

Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers: policy statement

Published 7 May 2025

Applies to England, Northern Ireland and Scotland

© Crown copyright 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers-policy-statement/deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers-policy-statement

The UK government is working with the Scottish government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in October 2027.  

The scheme will introduce a refundable deposit on single-use drinks containers. It will include drinks containers from 150 millilitres to 3 litres made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, steel and aluminium.

The scheme aims to: 

  • reduce litter 
  • increase recycling rates 
  • create high-quality recycled materials that drinks producers can use again 

Management of the scheme

The scheme will be managed by the deposit management organisation (DMO).

UK Deposit Management Organisation Limited was appointed as the DMO in May 2025. They will run the scheme in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Their appointment followed an application process that was assessed by UK Government, Scottish Government and DAERA in Northern Ireland.

DMO responsibilities

The DMO is responsible for:

  • meeting the collection targets laid down in the legislation
  • operation of the scheme, including management and oversight of the material and financial flows
  • producing and publishing technical information for businesses to prepare for the scheme
  • engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure they can contribute to the design of the scheme
  • raising consumer awareness of the scheme
  • creating an easy process for users of the scheme to raise queries

Visit ukdmo.co.uk for more information.

Government and regulator responsibilities 

Working with regulators from respective nations, the government: 

  • developed the regulations for the scheme
  • appointed the DMO 
  • supports the DMO as necessary in providing advice on the regulations
  • regularly engages with the DMO and wider industry, including drinks producers, retailers, consumer groups and other interested parties
  • monitors and ensures the smooth implementation of the DRS for businesses and consumers
  • resolves any issues as they arise
  • monitors and manages scheme performance 

The regulators also manage compliance, monitoring and enforcement of regulations relevant to their nation. 

Next steps

The latest information is available at ukdmo.co.uk.

The scheme will be available for consumers to use in October 2027. 

For more information about the scheme, read:

For background on policy development of the scheme, read the:

For more information about the separate Welsh Government scheme, read their written statement on the development of a Deposit Return Scheme for Wales, published on 18 November 2024.

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