Deposit return scheme
Latest updates
Read the latest Deposit Return Scheme updates in food and drink manufacturing.
DRS Stakeholder Forum update
DRS Statutory Instrument (SI) workshops update
Draft DRS Regulations Published – Scotland
DRS Stakeholder Forum update – March DRS SI Workshop (notes)
What is a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)?
Deposit return schemes are used across the world as a way of encouraging more people to recycle drinks containers, such as bottles and cans.
They work by charging anyone who buys a drink a small deposit for the bottle or can that it comes in. They get this money back when they return the bottle or can to a collection point to be recycled.
Consumers will start paying a deposit at the point of purchase and redeem it through a reverse vending machine or designated return point.
DRS overview
All you need to know about deposit return schemes, including:
- Background
- Legislations and Consultations
- Scope
- Deposit and Material Flows
- Deposit Management Organisation (DMO)
- Implementation Timeline
Get involved
Ask an expert
Our team of packaging experts is on hand to answer any queries you may have.
Packaging Task Force
The Packaging Task Force (PTF) shapes the FDF's overarching strategy and positioning on the use of packaging, particularly plastics, to enable food and drink manufacturers to have a stronger voice in the public and political debate.
Stay up to date
The FDF’s Packaging Task Force email alerts are a useful way to keep sight of policy and forthcoming legislation related to packaging.
'Watch committee' to sign up for these emails.