THE UK Government’s deposit return scheme (DRS) is set to be introduced in October 2025, Westminster has announced.
New plans, which will cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland, have been set out in a consultation response. Once appointed, an independent deposit management organisation will set the amount for the refundable deposit.
Scotland is set to launch its own, separate DRS later this year on August 16.
The UK Government announcement follows a consultation which found that 83% of respondents were in favour of the new system. The scheme aims to ensure 85% fewer drinks containers are discarded as litter after three years of its launch.
Environment minister, Rebecca Pow, said, “We want to support people who want to do the right thing to help stop damaging plastics polluting our green spaces or floating in our oceans and rivers. That is why we are moving ahead using our powers from our landmark environment act to introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers. This will provide a simple and effective system across the country that helps people reduce litter and recycle more easily, even when on the move.”
