Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons are set to pay shoppers for returning bottles and cans under new government rules. The Deposit Return Scheme, announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), targets the 25 billion bottles and cans purchased annually in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
How the Scheme Works
From October 2027, a redeemable deposit will be added to the price of single-use drinks containers made from aluminium, steel, or PET plastic, with capacities between 150 millilitres and 3 litres. Shoppers can return these containers to collection points at participating supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons to claim back the deposit. No receipt or proof of purchase is needed, allowing anyone to return containers in good condition.
Environmental Goals
A Defra spokesperson stated: "Under this scheme, a redeemable deposit is placed on specific drinks containers that can be claimed when the item is returned to a collection point, such as a local supermarket. There’s no need for a receipt or proof of purchase, so anyone can return their own drinks containers or ones that they find, as long as they’re in good nick. This means we can all chip in to help clean up our communities – and get something for it." The initiative aims to stop "the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our high streets, countryside, and oceans."
Exclusions from the Scheme
The deposit will not apply to containers that are not single-use, made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) like milk bottles, or used for liquid medicines, flavour enhancers, or sweeteners such as syrups or hot sauce. Containers with lids from other materials are still included.
