A deposit return scheme (DRS) is a step closer to being introduced in England and Northern Ireland after MPs voted to approve plans for its implementation in October 2027. The Scottish Government is expected to align its DRS to match.
The UK parliament voted 352 to 75, a majority of 277, in favour of draft Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers Regulations 2024.
The materials that will be included in the English and Northern Irish schemes will be single use plastic (PET) and metal drinks containers. Glass will not be part of the scheme.
It is expected that Scotland will introduce a scheme that will be interoperable across the different UK nations. Despite concerns raised by retailers, suppliers and other stakeholders, the Welsh Government still intends to introduce its own scheme that will include glass and focus on reuse.
In correspondence with the Welsh, Scottish and UK Governments, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has outlined what it believes to be the guiding principles of a successful, well-designed and effective DRS. These are:
- The scheme should be consistent across the UK
- The scheme must be at worst cost neutral for retailers
- Glass should not be included in the scheme
- Return points should be strategically mapped and not mandated on the basis of business type/size
- The scheme should prioritise colleague and customer safety
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the progress of the scheme in Parliament, but there is still much to do to ensure that the UK is ready by October 2027. Return points need to be strategically mapped, retailers need to prepare their stores, and a whole new level of recycling infrastructure needs to be set up.”
During the debate Members of Parliament highlighted the need to work closely with convenience retailers to deliver an effective DRS across the country. You can see clips from the debate here.
The draft Deposit Return Scheme regulations are available to view in full here.
