Deposit Return Scheme
A system where consumers pay a small deposit on beverage containers at purchase, refunded when the empty container is returned for recycling. The UK DRS aims to increase collection rates for drinks packaging.
A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) places a refundable deposit on certain beverage containers. Consumers pay the deposit at purchase and reclaim it by returning the empty container to a designated collection point.
Key aspects of the UK DRS:
- Scope: Covers PET plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminium and steel cans
- Deposit amount: Set per container (exact amount determined by regulation)
- Return points: Reverse vending machines and manual return points at retailers
- Target: Aiming for 90%+ collection rates for in-scope containers
DRS interacts with pEPR because containers collected through DRS are removed from the household packaging waste stream. Producers of in-scope beverages must register with the DRS scheme operator and pay producer fees. DRS containers are typically excluded from waste management fee calculations to avoid double-charging. Scotland developed its DRS on a separate timetable from the rest of the UK. See our DRS guide.
Related Terms
pEPR Regulations
The reformed Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging regulations in the U...
Plastic Packaging
Packaging made from polymeric materials including PET, HDPE, PP, LDPE, PS, and P...
Glass Packaging
Packaging made from glass, primarily bottles and jars. Glass is infinitely recyc...
Aluminium Packaging
Packaging made from aluminium including drinks cans, foil trays, foil wraps, and...
Waste Management Fees
The fees charged to producers under pEPR to cover the full net cost of collectin...
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