The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) would include special machines, known as reverse vending machines, and designated sites where people can return their bottles and receive their money back. The system will cover single-use plastic, steel and aluminium drinks containers.
David Gudgeon, head of external affairs at Reconomy brand Reconomy Connect, said: “With the world consuming resources faster than they can be replenished, this is a great step forwards for the circular economy and keeping precious, finite materials in circulation.
“This scheme should significantly cut down littering, plastic pollution and our carbon footprint. It is predicted to create 21,000 jobs and generate £21bn investment in our economy. In Ireland, where the DRS scheme has been in effect since February 2024, over 630 million containers were returned in the first eight months.
“For grocery retailers, hospitality and other businesses that will be obligated to act as a return point for the scheme, it has the potential to drive footfall to their sites. We encourage those businesses that will need to act as a return point to start preparing this year by beginning to identity appropriate locations for reverse vending machines or manual collection systems in store and develop relevant training for staff.”
Every year UK consumers go through an estimated around 14 billion plastic drinks bottles and nine billion drinks cans, many of which are littered or condemned to landfill.
Sandy Luk, chief executive at the Marine Conservation Society, added: "This marks a fantastic win for our seas. With plans already in motion in Scotland and the Welsh Government exploring an ambitious scheme to include reuse, this is a great step towards schemes starting across the UK in October 2027.
"Last year, 97% of surveyed UK beaches were polluted with bottles and cans, posing threat to marine life like seabirds and seals. Deposit return schemes will not only boost recycling and move us towards a circular economy where nothing is thrown away but also significantly reduce this kind of beach pollution. We’re excited to support Governments and industry in launching these schemes as soon as possible."