UK Government to roll out deposit return scheme in 2025

Northern Ireland by 85% within three years of launch.

The proposed scheme will include reverse vending machines installed at designated sites, where people can deposit plastic bottles and cans in return for cash.

The government will work with the devolved administrations and industry to begin implementing the program.

UK – The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced plans to introduce a deposit return scheme in 2025 to improve the recycling of plastic bottles and drink cans.

The DRS aims to reduce the number of drinks containers being discarded in England, Wales and

UK Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said that the decision to introduce the DRS was made following a consultation, in which 83% of respondents voted in favor of the new system.

The introduction of a DRS has been planned since 2018 and was initially due to be launched in 2023, but this was delayed until late 2024 and now 2025.

The announcement also comes shortly after the UK announced plans to ban single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, expanded and extruded polystyrene food and drinks containers, including cups in England from October 2023.

THE PROPOSED SCHEME WILL INCLUDE REVERSE VENDING MACHINES INSTALLED AT DESIGNATED SITES, WHERE PEOPLE CAN DEPOSIT PLASTIC BOTTLES AND CANS IN RETURN FOR CASH.