Households across the UK will soon be able to earn money by returning empty bottles to major supermarkets, including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, under a new government deposit return scheme designed to cut plastic waste. The initiative, confirmed for launch on 1 October 2027, will see customers receive 20p for each container they bring back to collection points at these retailers.
How the Scheme Works
The deposit return scheme (DRS) covers single-use drinks containers made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, steel, and aluminium, with sizes ranging from 150 millilitres to 3 litres. Glass bottles are excluded in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland due to safety, storage, and recycling quality concerns. Wales will include glass bottles but initially without a deposit, and plans to introduce a reuse scheme as part of its DRS.
Travis Way, managing director at RVM experts EcoVend, part of international circular economy specialists Reconomy, said: "While much of the industry had anticipated a flat 20p deposit, its confirmation is a helpful step forward for businesses preparing for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme. A flat rate also brings practical benefits for businesses by simplifying implementation, reducing administrative complexity and supporting more consistent system design across retailers, producers and return operators."
Impact on Recycling and Jobs
The government expects the scheme to significantly boost recycling rates, which have remained stagnant for 15 years. Labour Party Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh stated: "This Government is committed to cleaning up our streets and ending our throwaway culture. Deposit return schemes are proven to reduce the littering of cans and plastic bottles and drive up recycling rates which have flatlined for 15 years. Our packaging reforms will create 25,000 jobs and lead to more than £10 billion investment in recycling during the next decade."
Preparation and Implementation
Way added: "Having greater clarity at this stage allows retailers, producers and operators to plan with more confidence, particularly when it comes to infrastructure, cashflow and customer engagement. A simple, uniform deposit should also support consumer understanding and mirrors other well-established European schemes. With further detail still to come and the Deposit Management Organisation continuing to develop the framework, this remains a critical period for industry preparation. Continued engagement and education with retailers will be key to ensuring a smooth and effective rollout."
The scheme will be implemented across all parts of the UK, with England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland adopting a consistent approach excluding glass. Wales will include glass bottles but without a deposit initially, along with a separate reuse scheme. The government has published a PDF detailing its decision to exclude glass from the main scheme, citing concerns about safety, storage, and recycling quality.
Consumer Benefits
Customers will be able to return empty containers to local supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, as well as other participating retailers. The 20p deposit per container will be refunded upon return, providing a financial incentive for households to recycle. The scheme aims to reduce litter and increase recycling rates, contributing to a more circular economy.
