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UK Deposit Return Scheme implementation

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-04 15:53 UTC → 2026-09-07 12:50 UTC · added removed

The implementation of Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) in the United Kingdom has faced scrutiny regarding regional consistency and operational readiness. The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) has requested a delay to the October 2027 launch, arguing that producers need 18 to 24 months of lead time following major decisions. SIBA expressed concerns over a potential “Scottish style meltdown” and highlighted uncertainties regarding the Welsh Government’s guidance on glass recycling. SIBA chief executive Andy Slee stated that the industry seeks a DRS with uniform scope and rules across the UK. Concerns have been raised regarding how the Welsh inclusion of glass will interact with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, with fears of double taxation for small breweries. To manage its specific program, the Welsh Government has appointed Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO). While the Welsh scheme will include PET, metal, and glass containers from the outset, a four-year transitional period will apply to glass, during which containers will carry a zero-pence deposit and remain exempt from labeling requirements. In an effort to mitigate initial financial pressures, Exchange for Change announced that producer fees will be set at 0 pence per container for the first 15 months of operation, covering the period from the October 2027 launch through December 2028. Following this, fees are projected to rise in January 2029, with aluminum and steel containers estimated at 0.6 pence per unit and PET beverage containers at 2.3 pence per unit. In preparation for the 2027 launch, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, As part of its preparation, Exchange for Change, and Special Olympics Great Britain Change has launched a monthly anonymous survey to assess retailer readiness. Chief Executive Russell Davies stated that retailers are conducting an accessibility trial at “fundamental to the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games success of the DRS.” To support the transition, the organization previously announced £60m in Birmingham grant funding to ensure assist small, independent retailers with the scheme is inclusive for people costs of all abilities. installing Reverse Vending Machines and introduced a tiered Return Handling Fee (RHF) to compensate for managing returns.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-07 12:50 UTC UK Deposit Return Scheme implementation
  2. 2026-09-04 15:53 UTC UK Deposit Return Scheme implementation
  3. 2026-08-25 15:42 UTC UK Deposit Return Scheme implementation
  4. 2026-08-20 16:59 UTC UK Deposit Return Scheme implementation

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