British households will soon receive cash for returning their empty bottles and cans to major supermarkets, as part of a major new national scheme designed to tackle waste and litter.
How the New Deposit Return Scheme Will Work
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed it will launch the Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers in October 2027. The initiative will see a small deposit placed on eligible single-use drinks containers, which consumers can reclaim when they return the empty items.
People will be able to take their bottles and cans back to thousands of return points across the country, including all major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons, as well as smaller convenience stores that sell drinks. Crucially, no receipt or proof of purchase will be required, meaning anyone can return containers they find, provided they are in reasonable condition.
Once returned, retailers must pay the deposit back to the consumer on the spot. The refund can be issued via cash, a voucher, or onto a card, offering flexibility. The scheme will cover single-use containers made from PET plastic, steel, and aluminium, with sizes ranging from 150ml to 3 litres. It will exclude containers for medicines and certain drink additives like syrups.
Aiming to Clean Up Streets and Boost Recycling
The government's primary goal is to combat the pervasive problem of litter. Officials stated the scheme aims to "stop the avalanche of rubbish" polluting high streets, the countryside, and oceans. By providing a direct financial incentive, the policy hopes to convince more people to recycle properly rather than discarding containers.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh emphasised the proven success of such schemes, noting they reduce littering and increase recycling rates, which have stagnated for 15 years. She also highlighted the broader economic benefits, stating the government's packaging reforms will create 25,000 jobs and spur over £10 billion in recycling investment over the next decade.
Following a Global Trend
The UK will be joining more than 50 other countries that have already implemented similar deposit return systems, including Germany, Sweden, and Ireland. These schemes have consistently demonstrated significant reductions in litter volumes and major improvements in recycling collection rates for targeted materials.
Defra encourages public participation, stating: "This means we can all chip in to help clean up our communities – and get something for it. This simple change will reward people for doing the right thing." The 2027 launch date provides time for businesses and infrastructure to prepare for this substantial shift in how the UK handles its drinks packaging waste.
