Overview
- The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed a national Deposit Return Scheme starting in October 2027 across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Retailers that sell covered drinks must provide return points, either staffed or via reverse vending machines, with major chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons named as hosts.
- Everyone in the drinks supply chain will charge the deposit at sale, and retailers must refund it at return by voucher, card or cash without requiring a receipt.
- The deposit applies to single-use PET plastic, aluminium and steel drinks containers from 150 millilitres up to 3 litres, with containers remaining eligible even if lids are made from other materials.
- Excluded items include non‑single‑use containers, HDPE bottles such as most milk packaging, and containers for liquid medicines or flavour syrups, while other venues may apply to host voluntary return points.