The UK’s long-awaited bottle deposit and return scheme (DRS) is now scheduled to launch in 2027, marking a four-year delay from the original planned date. Initially expected to start in August 2023, the scheme’s commencement has been postponed several times-from 2024 to 2025, and now finally to 2027 under the Labour government led by Andy Burnham.
According to officials, all parts of the UK will begin their respective schemes on 1 October 2027. England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland will include single-use drinks containers ranging from 150 millilitres to 3 litres made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, steel, and aluminium. Glass containers, however, will be excluded from these schemes due to concerns about safety, storage, and recycling quality.
Wales will take a slightly different approach by including glass bottles in its DRS, but initially these will not carry a deposit. This decision aims to avoid immediate disruption in labelling and distribution processes. Furthermore, Wales plans to introduce a reuse scheme alongside its deposit return programme.
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Under the DRS, consumers pay a refundable deposit on qualifying drinks containers that can be redeemed when they return the items to designated collection points, such as local supermarkets.
Environmental groups have criticised the extended delays. Rudy Schulkind of Greenpeace UK described the two-year postponement as making a “mockery” of the government’s commitment to reduce plastic waste, noting that many European countries have successfully operated similar schemes for years. He lamented the government’s reluctance to take bold climate action, suggesting vested interests are being prioritised.
Steve Hynd, policy manager at the plastic pollution charity City to Sea, expressed feelings of sadness and frustration over the delay.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that it has worked closely with devolved governments and industry stakeholders over several years to develop the necessary policies and legislation. With regulations now in place, Defra plans to appoint a scheme administrator-known as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO)-in April 2025.
Like many international schemes, the DMO will operate as a not-for-profit, industry-led body composed of drinks producers, retailers, and other members of the supply chain. It will oversee the daily management of the deposit return system.
Defra emphasised the importance of community pride through clean streets and green spaces free from litter, describing the DRS as a simple yet ambitious initiative that will contribute to achieving this goal.