DRS scheme

What is the Deposit Return Scheme?

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Is a new cash incentive system, placing deposits on drinks bottles and cans, to help boost recycling from 2025.

The new plan is initiated through small cash deposits placed on single-use drinks containers, to incentivise more people to recycle their drinks bottles and cans, reducing litter and plastic pollution.

The scheme would use special machines, known as reverse vending machines, and designated sites where people can return their bottles and receive their cash back. In most cases, it would be the retailers who sell drinks covered by the scheme who would host a return point.

Find out more > Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers moves a step closer - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The DRS is now postponed until 2027

All four UK nations have been working together to try and agree a joint approach to the schemes, as there is some debate about whether glass should be included.

Recycling and taking action is more important than ever

Every year UK consumers go through an estimated 14 billion plastic drink bottles and nine billion drink cans, many of which are littered or condemned to landfill.

The need for effective recycling schemes and initiatives is significant in contributing to tackling plastic pollution and helping the environment. Recycling helps reduce pollution by conserving natural resources. It saves energy, mitigates climate change, and supports the economy by creating jobs and cutting disposal costs.

Recycling is a simple task every individual, team, and organisation can get involved with to help tackle climate change.

If your organisation is looking for a simple compliant route that contributes to your sustainability efforts, check out our associated framework:

Our Wheelie Bins & Kerbside Recycling Containers framework supports organisations such as local authorities to ensure they have the correct waste disposals in place to increase recycling. Such as compost bins, waste housing units, and wheelie bins.

Find out more > Wheelie Bins and Kerbside Recycling Containers

Sources:

Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers moves a step closer - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Tackling waste: UK Government delays glass bottle deposit scheme until 2027 (openaccessgovernment.org)

‘Huge disappointment’ as UK delays bottle deposit plan and excludes glass | Ethical and green living | The Guardian

UK cash-for-bottle deposit scheme delayed until 2027 - BBC News