Deposit Return Schemes
Get support for the Republic of Ireland Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and prepare for the UK DRS coming in 2027.
What is the DRS?
The DRS aims to increase the collection of drink container packaging for recycling. Consumers pay a small deposit on drink containers that is reimbursed when returned for recycling at a collection point.
The UK DRS will begin in 2027 and applies to PET plastic bottles and aluminium cans in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Welsh scheme will also begin in October 2027, which will additionally include glass bottles. A Republic of Ireland (ROI) DRS is already in operation, which includes PET plastic and aluminium/steel cans.
Many details for the UK DRS are to be confirmed. Producers of in-scope containers will have several obligations including labelling requirements, paying producer fees and adding the deposit on each container. Grocery retailers will additionally have to host collection points.
The Deposit Management Organisation for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland – Exchange for Change – will regularly update guidance on their website.
Who is impacted by the future DRS?
Your organisation may have required actions under the UK DRS if you meet any of the criteria below.
Are you obligated?
Your organisation is likely to be obligated under the UK DRS if you:
- Are a retailer, brand-owner, manufacturer or importer of drink container packaging which is between 150ml and 3l
What do you need to do?
If obligated, your required actions will depend on your activities:
- UK grocery retailers over a certain size will be required to host return points
- Producers will be required to register, submit data, label their packaging correctly and pay fees
Who is impacted by the Republic of Ireland DRS?
Your organisation may have required actions if you meet any of the criteria below.
Are you obligated?
Your organisation is likely to be obligated under the Republic of Ireland DRS if you:
- Are a retailer or producer of drink container packaging
- Sell or produce PET plastic bottles or aluminium/steel cans between 150ml and 3l
What do you need to do?
If obligated, your required actions will depend on your activities:
- You must register at https://re-turn.ie/
Get the DRS data support you need
We provide expert support to help prepare your drink container data for the live ROI DRS.
For both the UK and ROI DRS, we provide essential data insights on the impact to your organisation, including your future DRS costs.
Don't just understand the likely cost impacts on your organisation, we'll also help you explore how changes to your in-scope packaging may impact your other obligations under Extended Producer Responsibility or the Plastic Packaging Tax.
Our data team are on hand to provide any bespoke DRS support you need.
Become a member
Whether you’re a small business or a global brand, discover the benefits of working with us as your trusted packaging data and compliance partner.
Get the knowledge
The Deposit Return Scheme in the UK explained
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be implemented by 1 October 2027. Find out all the known details about how it will operate.
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