A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is a scheme to improve the quality and quantity of recycling of single-use drinks containers. These schemes exist across Europe already, and will launch in the UK in 2025. It will work by consumers will pay a cash deposit (in Scotland this has been set at 20p) when they buy a drink in a single-use container, which they can claim back if they return for recycling.
On January 20th 2023, the Government response to the consultation Introduction of a deposit return scheme in England Wales and Northern Ireland was published. We have updated a general briefing for members below.
Materials icluded in the Scottish DRS system will be PET plastic bottles, steel and aluminium cans, and glass bottles, from sizes of 50ml to 3 litres. The scheme will come into force in Scotland on Saturday 16th August 2023, but early adoption could occur on a voluntary basis from November 2022.
