UK Deposit Return Scheme: Upcoming DRS for Bottles and Cans Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Reference for the United Kingdom's planned deposit return scheme covering PET plastic bottles, steel cans, and aluminum cans from 150ml to 3 liters, with a UK-wide launch date of October 2027.
This is a regulated fee — required or governed by law in the jurisdictions below.
Overview
The United Kingdom is implementing a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) with a launch date of October 1, 2027. The scheme will cover single-use drinks containers made from PET plastic, steel, and aluminum with capacities between 150ml and 3 liters. Milk bottles (HDPE plastic) and liquid medicine containers are excluded. The UK Deposit Management Organisation Limited was appointed in May 2025 to manage the scheme. The specific deposit amount has not yet been announced. All businesses in the drinks supply chain — producers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers — must charge the deposit when selling filled containers. Each UK nation (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) has separate governance but the schemes operate under similar principles.
Fee schedule by jurisdiction
3 jurisdictions with active fee requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|
| England and Northern Ireland | TBD (deposit amount not yet announced) |
| Scotland | TBD (deposit amount not yet announced) |
| Wales | TBD (deposit amount not yet announced) |
England and Northern Ireland
TBD (deposit amount not yet announced)
PET plastic bottles, steel cans, and aluminum cans 150ml–3L
Governed by UK Government regulations. Excludes HDPE milk bottles and medicine containers.
Effective Oct 1, 2027
Scotland
TBD (deposit amount not yet announced)
PET plastic bottles, steel cans, and aluminum cans 150ml–3L
Separate Scottish legislation. Originally planned for earlier launch; aligned to UK-wide date.
Effective Oct 1, 2027
Wales
TBD (deposit amount not yet announced)
PET plastic bottles, steel cans, and aluminum cans 150ml–3L
Separate Welsh scheme under development
Effective Oct 1, 2027
Enforcement
Once operational, producers placing beverages on the UK market must register with the Deposit Management Organisation and participate in the DRS. Retailers must charge the deposit and accept returns. Non-compliance will result in enforcement action.
Official sources
Shopify compliance
This is a mandatory fee — merchants selling in covered jurisdictions are legally required to collect it. Shopify requires that mandatory fees be clearly disclosed to customers before checkout. Use a Shopify app like Magical Fees to automate collection and ensure compliance.
This information is maintained by the Magical Apps team and reviewed semi-annually. Always consult official government sources for the most current requirements.
Quick facts
- Regulation
- Deposit Return Scheme for Drinks Containers
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Jurisdictions
- 3
- Category
- Container Deposits
Explore United Kingdom Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in practice
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Related use cases
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Other regulations in this category.
Australian Container Deposit Schemes
Reference for Australia's container deposit schemes (CDS) operating in all states and territories with a uniform 10-cent refund per eligible beverage container.
View fee schedule →CanadaCanadian Provincial Container Deposit Programs
Reference for Canadian provincial container deposit-return programs covering refundable deposits on bottles, cans, and other beverage containers across all provinces with active programs.
View fee schedule →GermanyGerman Pfand (Deposit-Return System)
A reference for Germany's Pfandpflicht deposit-return system. Covers Einweg (single-use) and Mehrweg (reusable) container deposit amounts and the beverages they apply to.
View fee schedule →European UnionEU Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) Rollout
Reference for deposit return schemes (DRS) across the European Union. Multiple member states have launched or are launching DRS under the Single Use Plastics Directive; rates and scope vary by country.
View fee schedule →HungaryHungary Deposit Return Scheme (MOHU)
Reference for Hungary's national deposit return scheme operated by MOHU, requiring a refundable 50 HUF deposit on single-use glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers.
View fee schedule →IrelandIreland Deposit Return Scheme (Re-Turn)
Reference for Ireland's national deposit return scheme (Re-Turn), requiring refundable deposits of 15–25 cents on PET plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans sold in Ireland.
View fee schedule →Ready to get started?
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