In this blog we take a look at Deposit Return Schemes: what are they, what are the current plans for introducing Deposit Return Schemes for drinks containers across the UK and our plans for updating the Bevica system to accommodate the DRS.

What is a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)?

Deposit Return Schemes are used in countries across the world “to increase recycling rates of drinks containers, with well-functioning schemes achieving collection targets of 90% or higher”. They work by charging consumers who buy a drink a small deposit for the bottle or can that it comes in. The consumer can then get this money back when they return the bottle or can to a collection point to be recycled.

What are the main objectives of the DRS?

The UK Government has set out in its recent Government response document (dated 20 January 2023), Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, that “it is a priority for Government to move towards a circular economy where resources are protected and kept in use for as long as possible and waste is minimised.”

Scotland, which is ahead of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in its timescales for introducing a DRS states that “Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will improve recycling rates and reduce litter in Scotland, as well as helping to tackle climate change. It will do this by incentivising a positive behaviour change and making it easy to do the right thing.”

What is covered by the DRS in the UK?

Since waste management is the responsibility of the devolved administration, each nation of the UK will decide what materials are in scope for their DRS.

  • Scotland: All drinks (both soft and alcoholic) that come in PET plastic, metal and glass. Containers of these material types, sized from 50ml to three litres, inclusive, are part of the scheme.
  • Wales: All drinks (both soft and alcoholic) that come in PET plastic, steel and aluminium cans and glass bottles. Containers of these material types, sized from 50ml to three litres, inclusive, are part of the scheme.
  • England: All drinks (both soft and alcoholic) that come in PET plastic, and steel and aluminium cans. Containers of these material types, sized from 50ml to three litres, inclusive, are part of the scheme.
  • Northern Ireland: Wales: All drinks (both soft and alcoholic) that come in PET plastic, and steel and aluminium cans. Containers of these material types, sized from 50ml to three litres, inclusive, are part of the scheme.

It is important to note that glass drinks bottles are not in scope for the DRS in England and Northern Ireland. They are, however, covered by the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging Scheme in both countries.

When is the DRS due to start in the UK?

The Scottish Deposit Return Scheme was originally scheduled to “go live for consumers on 16 August 2023. Parts of the regulations will come into force earlier to enable various scheme actors to prepare for the operation of the scheme.” It has now been announced that the Scheme will not go live until October 2025, same as in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Circularity Scotland, the DRS administrator in Scotland, has recently extended the deadline for producers to sign up to the initiative (the deadline is currently indefinite).

Details of the Scottish scheme, including a comprehensive list of FAQs, can be found at https://depositreturnscheme.zerowastescotland.org.uk/

Current plans in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are to implement their schemes in October 2025. As the plans in these countries are still in early stages, further details beyond what has been announced in  Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are not currently available.

How will Bevica be updated to accommodate the DRS in the UK?

The Bevica team are consulting with Bevica customers and other businesses in the drinks industry about the impact of the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland, both generally and on the functionality included in the Bevica system.

The DRS is a key agenda item on the upcoming client-focussed Bevica User Group and we will sharing our plans for updating the Bevica system to accommodate the DRS afterwards.

What to find out more about Bevica and the DRS?

If you are a current Bevica client, book your place on the Bevica User Group on 15 March to find out more about Bevica and the DRS. If you are unable to attend, details on our plans will be available at www.bevica.com afterwards.

Blog content updated on 7 June 2023.