The UK's bottle deposit and return scheme (DRS) will finally launch on 1 October 2027, four years later than originally planned, under the Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and with Andy Burnham as Mayor of Greater Manchester. The scheme, which will see shoppers pay a redeemable deposit on drinks containers that can be claimed when items are returned to collection points such as local supermarkets, was first scheduled for August 2023, then pushed back to 2024, then 2025, and now 2027.
According to the Labour Party government, “All parts of the UK plan to start schemes on 1 October 2027.” England, Northern Ireland and Scotland will include single-use drinks containers between 150 millilitres and 3 litres made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, steel and aluminium, but not glass. The government decided against including glass due to concerns about safety, storage, and recycling quality.
Wales to Include Glass but Without Deposit
Wales will include glass bottles in its scheme but initially without a deposit, to avoid immediate changes to labelling and distribution. Wales also plans to introduce a reuse scheme as part of its DRS, according to the government statement.
Under the 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. This is designed to increase recycling rates and reduce litter across the country.
Criticism Over Delays and Vested Interests
The latest two-year delay “makes a mockery” of the government's commitment to take action on plastic waste, said Rudy Schulkind of Greenpeace UK. “Our neighbours in Europe have been running DRS schemes successfully for years,” he said. “Sadly, this government is all too willing to sacrifice bold action to tackle the climate crisis at the altar of vested interests.”
Steve Hynd, policy manager for plastic pollution charity City to Sea, said the delay on the law left him “with a feeling of sadness, and frustration”.
Scheme Administrator to Be Appointed in April 2025
Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed: “We have been working closely with our Devolved Government colleagues, as well as industry, for several years to develop the policy and legislation. Now that the regulations are in place, we can appoint the scheme administrator – also known as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) – in April 2025.”
“As with most other international schemes, the DMO will be a not-for-profit, industry-led body made up of drinks producers, retailers, and the wider supply chain, and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the scheme,” Defra added. “Every community should be able to take pride in where they live, and this starts with clean streets and vibrant green spaces free from litter. Simple but ambitious changes like the deposit return scheme will help make this a reality.”
The 2027 launch means the scheme will be operational four years after the original August 2023 target, with the DMO appointment in April 2025 marking the next key milestone in its rollout.
