The UK Government is introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in October 2027, which will operate in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and be overseen by Exchange for Change.
The Welsh Government intend to introduce a DRS by October 2027 that also includes glass. Glass containers in Wales will not have a deposit applied to them until 2031, but must still be accepted in stores.
Download the ACS Deposit Return Scheme Guide here
Customers will pay a 20p deposit when purchasing a drink in a single-use container and receive the deposit back when they return the empty container to a return point operator.
Single use containers in scope include PET plastic bottles and metal cans (volume between 150ml and 3 litres).
If you sell drinks in single-use containers, you are obligated to:
- Register your store with Exchange for Change
- Pay the 20p deposit back to consumers at the point of return (payment methods are to be determined by Exchange for Change)
- Ensure that customers can redeem their deposit through a voucher at the checkout
- Display information so customers know how the scheme works
You can apply for an exemption from operating a return point. However, every store must charge a deposit on containers, even if they are exempt from hosting a return point.
ACS has put together detailed guidance for retailers on the operation of the scheme, including information on the different types of return point, exemption criteria, collection of containers and more. Download the latest version of the guide below.
