(Plans for a deposit return scheme for Northern Ireland are subject to a consultation which closed in June 2021. A likely date for introduction is in 2025. You can find out more about the Consultation and plans for a Deposit Return scheme in Northern Ireland here - Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Applies to Scotland:

It was announced on 7 June 2023 that the launch of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will be delayed until at least October 2025. The full statement is available to view on the Scottish Government website: www.gov.scot/news/deposit-return/

What items are included in the scheme?

The DRS applies to drinks that come in containers, either single or in multipacks, that are wholly or mainly made of:

  • PET including recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) - (type 1 plastic)
  • Glass
  • Aluminium
  • Steel

It applies to drinks containers that:

  • contain from 100ml to 3 litres
  • are sealed and watertight/airtight at point of sale
  • are single use packaging (i.e. not designed for refills,
  • are produced for sale in Scotland after the date the scheme launches,
  • are not for a "low volume drink product". (Products with fewer that 5000 units placed on the market each year)

 

What is the deposit?

The deposit is 20p per drink. The 20p deposit is charged on each drink bought and redeemed on each empty scheme container returned. For multipacks, the deposit is charged per drink in a pack rather than per pack. For example, for a multipack containing six drinks the deposit would be £1.20.

The retailer (usually shopkeeper/supermarket etc) must add the 20p deposit to the price of every drink sold in the types of containers that are included in the scheme.

The retailer must display information that says that the deposit is payable, and the amount of then deposit. They must also display information on any products produced before the day that the scheme launches to say where the deposit is not payable, and that no deposit will be paid in exchange for empty containers if returned.

The deposit is not payable by customers in export shops, or for drinks that will be consumed on the premises, e.g., in restaurants or bars.

How do shoppers get their deposit back?

The retailer must either:

  • accept returned empty containers and return the 20p deposit on each one. This can be operated manually (empty containers handed over the counter and the deposit returned from the till) or through a reverse vending machine (RVM) (empty containers are put in and the machine automatically returns the deposit).
  • have an exemption from operating a return point. If exempt, the retailer must display clear information about where the closest return point is.

Who else is involved in Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme?

  • Drinks producers: the brand owner, the importer or online retailer
  • Retailers: shops, supermarkets, online retailers, wholesalers, vending machine owners, or the manager of the premises where the vending machine is kept.
  • Hospitality sector: bars, clubs and restaurants and food delivery restaurants.
  • Scheme administrator: manages the scheme on behalf of the producers and retailers. The scheme administrator is Circularity Scotland (an industry-led, privately owned and not-for-profit private-sector enterprise).
  • Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA): SEPA are the regulator of the scheme and are responsible for the producer registration service. They will also provide advice and guidance to producers and retailers, and carry out audits and inspections.

Further Information

You can find more information about Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) from:

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