The not-for-profit organisation, which is responsible for delivering the DRS across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, said the deposit will apply to all single-use drinks containers made from PET plastic, steel and aluminium, ranging from 150ml to three litres.
The deposit will be added at the point of purchase and fully refunded when consumers return the empty container.
The decision follows an extended period of consultation with industry stakeholders, alongside analysis of established deposit return schemes across Europe and globally.
According to Exchange for Change, the consultation assessed a range of potential deposit values and structures to determine the most effective approach for driving consumer participation while remaining practical for producers and retailers.
Russell Davies, Chief Executive at Exchange for Change, said: “The deposit value is a pivotal part of how the deposit return scheme will work in practice.
“That’s why we’ve engaged widely with industry, and undertaken extensive market research and in-depth analysis on how schemes work in other countries.”
DRS data drives 20p decision
Research undertaken as part of the process examined consumer responses to deposit levels between 10p and 30p.
Findings suggested that deposits below 15p are unlikely to deliver sufficient behavioural incentive to meet the scheme’s target return rate of 90% within three years.
Conversely, a 30p deposit was found to risk creating a disproportionate cost burden for consumers at the point of purchase.
The organisation also evaluated variable deposit models, where the value differs depending on container size or material.
Davies added: “This work has identified that a flat 20p deposit is the most proportionate and sustainable amount for the UK.
“Confirming this now, with just under 18 months to go until the DRS is live, will help producers and retailers with their planning and preparation for the scheme, and we will continue to support them closely throughout this process.”
The organisation recently released its guidance on Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) material specification, setting out in-scope container materials, size ranges, labelling and barcode requirements and product registration and testing.
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