Deposit Return Scheme
As of May 2025, it was announced that UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd (UK DMO) are to be the operator for the deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
The deposit return scheme is expected to launch on 1 October 2027, with customers paying a refundable deposit for certain single-use drink containers.
What is DRS?
Deposit return schemes are used across the world and make it easy for us all to do the right thing. People pay a small deposit when they buy a drink in a single-use container and then get the deposit back when they return the empty bottle or can.
Environmental benefits
Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will offer a range of benefits: environmental, economic, and community-based.
Scheme background
Together with the Scottish Government, Zero Waste Scotland conducted in-depth evidence gathering and consulted with hundreds of organisations.
Return point exemptions
Return point exemptions have been paused while consideration is given to interoperable schemes across the UK.
If you would like to contact Scottish Government regarding your exemption or application, you can email: DRShub@gov.scot.