Originally slated to go live in October 2025, the policy statement outlines its new timeline for the implementation of the DRS which has been split into three phases:
- Phase 1: Regulation and deposit management organisation (DMO) appointment (by Spring 2025): During this phase, regulations will be finalised across all administrations, and DMOs will be appointed. Tasks in this phase include securing funding, appointing leadership teams, procuring essential resources and designing operational frameworks.
- Phase 2: DMO Set-up (Spring 2025 to Spring 2026): This period allows for the establishment of DMO(s) capable of effectively managing the DRS on behalf of industry. Activities will range from infrastructure development to digital and IT setup, and retailer and producer engagement.
- Phase 3: Rollout (Spring 2026 to Autumn 2027): The final phase focuses on operational readiness, including the establishment of national collection infrastructure, retailer preparations for return point installations and consumer engagement campaigns. By October 2027, the DRS will be fully operational across the UK.
Recycled
Karen Betts, CEO, Food and Drink Federation said: “We welcome today’s confirmation that the UK will be putting a deposit return scheme in place as part of plans for a circular economy. This means that drinks containers will be able to be recycled and used again more efficiently and easily, which is good news for the environment, companies and consumers.
“It’s critical that the UK’s governments now work closely together to ensure the scheme is easy to use and understand, operating under the same rules and with the same labels across the four nations. A consistent, UK-wide approach is the best way to ensure value for money and to drive up the UK’s disappointing recycling rates.”
‘Interoperable’
Dusan Stojankic, vice-president of Coca-Cola, Great Britain and Ireland said: “At Coca-Cola, we want to recycle every single can and bottle we put onto the market and today’s announcement is a huge step towards the well-designed deposit return schemes that will help us achieve just that.
“To make sure DRS is a success, we must have truly interoperable schemes in place across England, Scotland and Wales. We call on all parties and governments to work together to ensure that the schemes move forward with pace and with consistency of materials in scope. Having a common approach will ensure we have a best-in class system in place – and is the only way we will improve the circular economy and cut litter.”
Delay
Gavin Graveson, senior executive vice president at Veolia, Northern Europe Zone said: “A deposit return scheme needs to work for the entire UK and fit within the recycling system we already have. This delay shows us that Defra is serious about prioritising the big-ticket items that will accelerate the circular economy today, whilst laying the groundwork for future developments.
“The extended producer responsibility scheme, for example, will be a gamechanger for the industry. Packaging that is made to be recycled will be the cheapest choice for producers; a positive step for the environment, the economy and consumers.
“The plastic packaging tax is already in place but needs strengthening to stimulate end market demand for recycled materials. Combining these policies, with Simpler Recycling for England, will optimise the system and drive improvements.
“We all want to see more recycling in the UK and there are policies already in development that will help improve from recycling about 45% of the waste we produce, to more than 60% in the next few years. It’s about getting the right policies in place, in the right order to make the biggest impact.”
To find out more about changes in the sector, visit the National Letsrecycle.com Conference on 6 June at QEII Centre in London. To book tickets to attend or for more information please click here.
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