Working for a joined-up Deposit Return Scheme
The UK government and devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland have confirmed that Deposit Return Schemes will be launched across the UK in October 2027. We’re continuing to work hard with all governments involved to represent members’ views.
In November 2024, the Welsh Government announced that they will no longer proceed with the current iteration of the DRS.
We’re making sure you’re up to speed on the key details of each scheme, the important political developments and what it means for hospitality businesses.
Deposit Return Scheme April 2024 update
Following our lobbying work, all three schemes have confirmed that hospitality venues (including food to go stores) will not be required to host a return point, but will be able to apply to host a voluntary return point. This is a significant win for the sector and one that will minimise the financial implications of DRS on our businesses.
In practice, this means hospitality venues will be able to operate in a closed loop environment (meaning they will still be responsible for managing their own returns, but will not be required to accept returns of containers they do not sell). Hospitality businesses choosing to do so should not pass the deposit onto the consumer.
The Deposit Management Organisation (who will be in charge of running the scheme) will be in place in Spring 2025, at which point further detail will become available including the process for exemptions and the deposit level.
Deposit Return Scheme delayed until 2027, with UK-wide commitment
In April this year, the UK Government and devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have confirmed that Deposit Return Schemes will be launched across the UK in October 2027.
There will be three separate schemes: one covering England and Northern Ireland, and others in each of Scotland and Wales.
Deposit Return Scheme delayed in Scotland - what next?
The delay is a clear signal that the Scottish Government has listened to our concerns and learnt lessons from its previous attempts to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme.
Scottish hospitality businesses understood how costly and challenging it would be to act as return points and I’m pleased that this has moved to businesses being able to opt-in, rather than being forced to take back drinks containers.
What are the proposals in Wales?
The Welsh Government announced in November 2024 that they will no longer proceed with the current iteration of the Deposit Return Scheme, from October 2027. Instead, they will pursue an approach that looks “beyond recycling”, with a focus on reuse.
We will keep members updated with developments in due course.
