From 1 October 2027, customers in England and Northern Ireland will pay a refundable deposit on certain single-use drinks containers under the new Deposit Return Scheme, while Scotland is introducing similar rules through separate legislation and Wales is developing its own scheme.

Scope and timing by nation

GOV.UK guidance for drinks producers and retailers says that from 1 October 2027 customers will pay a refundable deposit on certain single-use drinks containers under the new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Businesses that produce or sell drinks in England and Northern Ireland have new responsibilities under The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025. Similar responsibilities will apply in Scotland, which is introducing separate legislation and guidance. The UK government’s policy statement also refers to a separate Welsh Government scheme, so this guide describes England and Northern Ireland.

Which containers are covered

The deposit applies to single-use drinks containers made wholly or mainly from aluminium, steel or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, with a capacity of between 150 millilitres and 3 litres, that are likely to be used only once or for a short period. Containers with a lid of another material are still included. The scheme does not apply to containers that are not single use or that are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the material used for milk bottles. Containers for liquid medicines such as cough syrup and for flavour enhancers or sweeteners to add to drinks, such as syrups or hot sauce, are also outside the scheme.

Producers and the supply chain

Everyone in the drinks supply chain must charge the deposit to their buyers when they sell filled in-scope containers, including producers, importers, wholesalers and retailers. Businesses must only supply filled containers that a registered scheme producer has placed on the market and that carry the scheme labelling. The deposit does not need to be charged when supplying unfilled containers.

Producers, meaning manufacturers of in-scope drinks (typically the brand owner), importers and businesses that fill and seal containers to order such as a hospitality venue supplying crowlers, must register with the deposit management organisation, apply the deposit to all containers, pay the deposits collected to the organisation, meet labelling requirements and report the number of drinks placed on the market. Their fee depends on the number of containers. Product lines of fewer than 5,000 units a year count as low volume: no producer fee, deposit or labelling is needed for them, although the producer must still register and report.

Retailers and return points

Retailers selling in-scope drinks must pay the deposit when purchasing the drinks and charge it to consumers at the point of sale. Supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and newsagents that sell in-scope drinks must host a return point, manual or using a reverse vending machine, unless exempt. Return-point hosts must register with the deposit management organisation, refund the deposit by voucher, card or cash, store returned containers for collection and display information for customers.

Retailers in urban areas with retail space below 100 square metres are exempt from hosting a return point but can volunteer. Other businesses such as hospitality venues, food-to-go stores, schools, gyms, community centres, mobile caterers and businesses with vending machines can apply to host voluntary return points, and a retailer can apply for an exemption if it is close to another return point or if the premises make hosting impossible or difficult. Online sellers can register as a takeback service provider to recover empties at delivery.

Pubs, cafes and drinks consumed on the premises

GOV.UK says businesses selling drinks for immediate consumption on the premises, such as cafes, restaurants and pubs, can choose not to charge the deposit at the point of sale. They should collect and store the containers, the deposit management organisation will collect them and refund the deposit, and the business must display clear information that it is an opt-out premises and asks customers to leave their empties. If the business also sells drinks to take away, it may choose to apply the deposit only to those.

Who runs and enforces the scheme

The UK government’s policy statement says UK Deposit Management Organisation Limited was appointed as the deposit management organisation in May 2025 and will run the scheme in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It sets the deposit amount, producer registration fees and payments to return-point hosts, provides guidance, informs consumers and arranges collection and recycling. The stated aims are to reduce litter, increase recycling rates and create high-quality recycled materials that producers can use again. The enforcement authorities are the Environment Agency and Trading Standards in England and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland.

FAQs

Does the scheme apply in Wales?

No. GOV.UK says Wales has a separate scheme under development, and Scotland is introducing similar rules under its own legislation.

Are all drinks bottles covered?

No. Only single-use aluminium, steel or PET containers of 150ml to 3 litres are in scope. HDPE containers such as milk bottles and containers that are not single use are excluded.

Who sets the deposit amount?

The deposit management organisation, according to GOV.UK, which also sets producer fees and return-point payments.

Bottom line

From 1 October 2027, a refundable deposit will apply to in-scope drinks containers sold in England and Northern Ireland, with return points at larger shops and opt-outs for on-premises drinking. Households and businesses that manage waste should expect fewer eligible bottles and cans in general waste. This is general information from GOV.UK guidance; confirm the details for a specific business with the deposit management organisation.

Sources

This guide draws on the following primary sources, current as of 20 September 2026:

• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs via GOV.UK, “Deposit Return Scheme: drinks producer and retailer responsibilities”
• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs via GOV.UK, “Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers: policy statement”

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