Major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons will soon pay households for returning empty bottles and cans, in a landmark move to tackle waste. The government has confirmed the new national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will launch in October 2027, offering cash rewards with no receipt or proof of purchase required.
How the New Bottle Recycling Scheme Will Work
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has given final approval for the scheme, which will operate across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. From October 2027, consumers can take eligible empty drinks containers to designated collection points and receive a monetary deposit back.
These return points will be established at thousands of locations nationwide. As well as major supermarket chains like Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, they will also be found in smaller local grocery stores, convenience shops, and newsagents that sell drinks. The scheme is designed to be as accessible as possible, accepting containers in good condition even if you didn't buy them yourself.
Which Bottles and Cans Are Included?
Defra has set clear rules on which containers will be part of the scheme. To qualify, single-use drinks containers must:
- Be made primarily from PET plastic, steel, or aluminium.
- Have a capacity between 150 millilitres and 3 litres.
- Be designed for one use or a short lifespan.
Containers with lids made from other materials will still be included. However, the deposit will not apply to containers that are not single-use or are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is the material typically used for milk bottles.
Aiming to Turn the Tide on Plastic Waste
The primary goal of the Deposit Return Scheme is to dramatically reduce litter and boost recycling rates, which have stagnated for over 15 years. By providing a direct financial incentive, the government hopes to mimic the success seen in over 50 other countries, including Germany, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh stated the reforms are part of a commitment to end the UK's "throwaway culture." She emphasised that such schemes are proven to cut litter and drive up recycling, while also creating an estimated 25,000 jobs and spurring over £10 billion in recycling investment over the next decade.
While urban shops with less than 100 square metres of floor space are exempt from mandatory participation, many other businesses—including pubs, restaurants, takeaways, and schools—can volunteer to become return points. Wales is developing a complementary scheme to work alongside those in other UK nations.
This initiative represents one of the most significant shifts in UK waste policy in years, directly rewarding citizens for helping to clean up communities and reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
