UK Government Moves Forward with Deposit Return Scheme Legislation for Single-Use Beverage Containers
In a significant step towards enhancing recycling efforts and reducing litter, the UK Government has officially passed legislation for a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) aimed at single-use beverage containers in England and Northern Ireland. With Scotland's regulations also on track, this move marks a substantial advancement towards a national system set to launch in October 2027.
The new legislation will apply to single-use plastic and metal beverage containers ranging from 150ml to three litres, addressing an estimated 30 billion beverage containers purchased annually across the three nations. This includes a staggering 12 billion plastic bottles and 13 billion cans. Wales is also looking to include glass containers in its version of the scheme.
The Deposit Return Scheme will be overseen by the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), a non-profit, industry-led body responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the program. The DMO will be appointed in April 2025, paving the way for the scheme's official launch in 2027.
Sarah Horner, Director of Reloop UK and Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the new regulations, highlighting the positive impact of such initiatives on litter reduction and recycling. She pointed to the Republic of Ireland's success, with nearly 1 billion containers returned since the country's DRS launch earlier this year, as a strong example of the program’s effectiveness.
Countries worldwide, including Austria and Spain, have implemented or are planning to launch similar deposit return systems, recognizing them as best practices for building a circular economy. This global shift underscores the growing commitment to sustainability and the importance of reducing waste and oceanic litter.
With these advancements, the UK is poised to join the growing list of nations taking actionable steps towards creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.