The UK government has announced that it remains fully committed to a Deposit Return Scheme and expects to launch the scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027.

The UK government will be working with the Scottish government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland to bring about these changes.

The Welsh government has announced a delay in their applying a Deposit Return Scheme, as they look at options that will support already ongoing initiatives. Wales is ranked second in the world for recycling.

It is hoped that a Deposit Return Scheme will help to reduce littering of single-use containers, while also increasing recycling rates.

According to Keep Britain Tidy’s 2020 composition analysis, 55% of litter by volume was plastic and metal drinks containers. There are 12 billion plastic drink containers and 14 billion cans on the market. So, improvements in recycling and litter disposal would make a significant difference.

The new scheme is also estimated to create around 4,000 new jobs across the UK.

The government intends to publish regulations shortly that will allow them to progress the Scheme, with its launch planned for October 2027.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-government-update-deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers/uk-government-update-deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers