Defra plans to introduce DRS in October 2025

The UK Government has released details of its long-awaited deposit return scheme (DRS), that is planned to be launched in October 2025.

The scheme will be launched in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – with the Scottish Government implementing its own scheme in 2023.

It aims to incentivise people to recycle beverage packaging that includes steel and aluminium drinks containers and PET plastic, but only glass in Wales.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said the next step will be to introduce legislation, starting with the appointment of the Deposit Management Organisation.

Pow said: “This will provide a simple and effective system across the country that helps people reduce litter and recycle more easily, even when on the move.

“The UK government will work with the Devolved Administrations, and industry to press ahead with delivery of the scheme. The response to the consultation showed that 83% of respondents were in favour of the new system.”

Dusan Stojankic, vice president of operations at Coca-Cola in Great Britain & Ireland, said: “We strongly welcome today’s commitment by the government to introduce DRS in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Coca-Cola has long called for a well-designed DRS that works seamlessly across Great Britain to reduce litter, and enable more packaging to be collected and recycled at the highest quality.

“The plans outlined by Defra are a step to achieving just that. We’ll continue to work closely with officials, retailers and our peers across the industry to ensure that the scheme is easy for consumers to use, while delivering the best outcome for the environment.”

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