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The government is introducing the new deposit return scheme for drinks containers from October 1, 2027

A major change is set to come into force for anyone who buys plastic bottles or canned drinks. The UK government has announced that it is introducing the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) operated by Exchange for Change, which is set to launch on October 1, 2027 across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The new recycling rules will see shoppers pay a refundable 20p deposit when buying drinks in eligible single-use plastic and metal containers - from 150ml to three litres. The deposit will then be refunded when they return their empty containers to designated supermarkets, local retailers or or Reverse Vending Machines.

The scheme aims to dramatically boost recycling rates and reduce litter by encouraging people to return their empty drinks for a refund rather than disposing of them incorrectly.

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An estimated 6.5 billion single-use drinks bottles and cans go to waste per year rather than being recycled - which is more than 17 million each day, according to Gov.uk.

"Far too many of these bottles and cans end up littered on our high streets or strewn across our beaches and countryside, causing harm to our precious wildlife," the government says.

What is the deposit return scheme

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 still in good nick.

This simple change will reward people for doing the right thing and recycling their empty drinks containers.

The deposit return scheme for drinks containers will be introduced in October 2027 in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.