In October 2027, the UK will launch a nationwide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to change how we recycle single-use drink containers. It’s a practical step towards helping us all recycle more easily and cut down on waste.
A Nod to the Past: Glass Bottle Returns in the 1970s
The concept of deposit return isn’t new. In the 1970s, many Britons routinely returned glass bottles to local shops in exchange for a small refund. This grassroots recycling effort helped reduce litter and encouraged reuse long before many of us started thinking seriously about the environment. While the original scheme faded with the rise of disposable packaging, its legacy lives on in today’s push for circular economy solutions.
The Current Landscape: Billions Discarded
Today, UK consumers purchase around 31 billion single-use drink containers annually—comprising 12 billion plastic bottles, 14 billion aluminium cans, and 5 billion glass bottles. Despite growing awareness, only 70–75% of these containers are collected for recycling. That’s billions of bottles and cans that could have been recycled — instead, many still end up as litter or waste.
This growing challenge has prompted the UK government to act. The new DRS aims to boost recycling rates to at least 90%, aligning with successful schemes in countries like Germany and Sweden.
How the 2027 DRS Will Work
Under the new plan, consumers will pay a small deposit—likely between 10p and 20p—when buying drinks in containers made of PET plastic, aluminium, or steel. These containers can hold between 150ml and 3 litres.
Upon returning the empty container to a designated collection point, such as a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), the deposit will be refunded.
These RVMs will be installed in supermarkets, convenience stores, and community hubs, making recycling accessible and convenient. The machines will use barcode scanners and weight sensors to identify and sort containers, rewarding people with small but satisfying returns — like cash, vouchers or loyalty points.
Glass bottles are excluded from the scheme in England and Northern Ireland; however, Scotland and Wales plan to include them. This divergence has sparked debate among environmental groups, who argue that excluding glass undermines the scheme’s impact.
Implementation Timeline: What to Expect
The rollout of the DRS will follow a phased approach:
- Spring 2025: Legislation finalised across UK nations; Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) appointed.
- Spring 2025 – Spring 2026: DMO sets up operations, including deposit levels, labelling rules, and RVM specifications.
- Spring 2026 – Autumn 2027: Retailers will begin installing collection machines and updating packaging, while public awareness campaigns are launched.
- 1 October 2027: Scheme goes live—consumers can return containers and reclaim deposits.
The DMO (a not-for-profit entity led by industry stakeholders) will oversee the scheme’s logistics, operations, and compliance.
What It Could Mean for Savers
At first glance, the Deposit Return Scheme might seem all about recycling—but it also offers a quiet reminder about the value of small amounts adding up over time.
Every bottle or can will come with a small deposit of 10p–20p. It’s money you’ll get back, but only if you return the container. For those who buy bottled drinks regularly, that could mean several pounds held in deposits each month. By returning those containers, you’re not only doing your bit for the planet—you’re reclaiming money that’s rightfully yours.
It’s a small, simple action, but it mirrors how many people approach saving: being mindful of where your money goes and making small, consistent choices that build up over time.
Families might even find ways to make it fun—turning recycling into a shared habit that teaches children the value of caring for both the environment and their own finances. Whether you choose to pop your refunded deposits into a savings account or simply see it as a weekly reward for doing good, it’s a gentle reminder that looking after what we have—whether it’s money or the planet—pays off in the long run.
Why It Matters
The Deposit Return Scheme is more than just about recycling — it’s about changing habits for good. By encouraging responsible disposal, the DRS empowers people, supports local communities, and provides high-quality recyclable materials for industry. It’s expected to create thousands of new jobs and bring wider benefits to communities across the UK.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s 2027 DRS is a bold move towards a cleaner, greener future. By bringing back the principles of the 1970s glass bottle returns and combining them with modern technology, the scheme makes it easier for everyone to play their part. Small changes like this can make a big difference — helping all of us protect the planet and build a more sustainable future together.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers-policy-statements/deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers-joint-policy-statement
