If you sell or make drinks in the UK, the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is coming—and it will change how bottles and cans are sold, labelled, and taken back. Here’s the idiot’s guide: what it is, when it starts, what’s in scope, and what businesses need to do.
When you buy a drink, you’ll pay a small extra deposit. Bring the empty bottle or can back to a return point (a shop counter or a reverse-vending machine) and you get the deposit back. The aim is less litter, more high-quality recycling, and a reliable supply of recycled material for new containers. The UK will appoint a Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) to run the system day-to-day.
The scheme is due to go live on 1 October 2027 in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Wales is progressing its own scheme on a similar timetable.
Across the UK, the core scope is:
What’s out of scope?
If you’re a producer (brand owner/importer/filler)
From 1 Oct 2027 you must:
If you’re a retailer
If you’re on-premise (cafés, pubs, venues)
You can choose not to charge the deposit for drinks consumed on site—but then you collect and store the empties for the DMO to pick up (and you get the deposit refunded). Clear customer signage is required.
The DMO will set the deposit (after appointment and guidance). That’s why you may not see a figure yet in law or guidance.
1) How much will the deposit be?
Not set yet. It will be confirmed by the UK DMO before launch. Build scenarios in your pricing now and plan to update POS when it’s announced.
2) Is glass in or out?
England/NI/Scotland: out. Wales: in (with a phased approach for obligations). Check your Welsh range and packaging plans early.
3) Do milk bottles count?
Most milk bottles are HDPE, which is excluded. PET dairy drinks are in scope if 150 ml–3 L and single-use.
4) Do I pay one deposit per multipack or per item?
Deposits apply per in-scope container. Treat a 6-pack as six items for deposit purposes at checkout and return. (This follows how DRSs operate globally and aligns with scheme intent.) Always check final DMO guidance for any exceptions.
5) Do I need new barcodes?
You’ll need scheme labelling (logo/return code) on in-scope packs; barcode changes depend on how you implement deposits and logistics. Many brands keep the UPC/EAN but add the required DRS marks—plan artwork space now. Follow the DMO’s detailed labelling rules once published.
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