What is the Deposit Return Scheme?

A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) adds a small, refundable deposit to the price of single-use drinks containers. The UK scheme, managed by Exchange for Change, launches on 1 October 2027 to cut waste and boost recycling.

How the Scheme Works

• Extra Cost: Pay a 20p deposit when buying eligible drinks.
• Return Containers: Bring empty bottles or cans back to a shop or reverse vending machine.
• Get Refunded: Receive your 20p back instantly without needing a receipt.

What is Included?

• Containers: Single-use PET plastic bottles, steel cans, and aluminium cans.
• Size: Volumes from 150 ml up to 3 litres.
• Exclusions: Glass (except in Wales), milk, and liquid medicines

Many countries have successfully used Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) to boost recycling rates of drink containers, often reaching 90% or higher. In contrast, the UK’s current rate is around 70%, leaving 120 million plastic bottles and 75 million cans unrecycled annually in Northern Ireland. These containers often end up in landfill or incineration, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and increasing demand for virgin materials. A DRS would help by creating cleaner, separated waste streams, supplying high-quality materials for closed-loop recycling (e.g., bottle-to-bottle or can-to-can).

Experience in ROI

Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (Re-turn) has been a success, achieving over 90% overall collection rates, collecting billions of containers, and significantly cutting down public litter. Launched in February 2024, the program dramatically transformed the nation’s recycling habits. 

Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (Re-turn) has been a major success, achieving over 90% overall collection rates, collecting billions of containers, and significantly cutting down public litter. Launched in February 2024, the program dramatically transformed the nation’s recycling habits. (Senseo)

Useful links to more information:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/deposit-return-scheme