What is the UK Deposit Return Scheme?

The Deposit Return Scheme introduces a system where consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks in eligible containers.

That deposit is refunded when the empty container is returned through an approved return point.

The scheme is expected to apply to eligible single-use plastic drinks bottles and metal drinks containers between 150ml and 3 litres.

The aim is to:

• Increase recycling rates
• Reduce littering
• Improve the quality of recyclable materials collected across the UK

How much will the deposit cost?

Under the UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), a flat 20p refundable deposit will be added to all eligible in-scope single-use drinks containers.

Consumers will receive the deposit back when the empty container is returned through an approved return point.

For businesses, this introduces operational considerations around:

• Pricing and customer communication
• Refund handling
• Container returns
• Storage and logistics

What happens to unclaimed deposits?

Not every drinks container will be returned.

Some deposits will go unclaimed due to containers being discarded incorrectly, damaged, or simply not returned.

In many deposit return schemes, unclaimed deposits help fund the operation of the scheme, including infrastructure, administration, fraud prevention, and public awareness activities.

This helps support the long-term operation of the scheme without relying entirely on government funding.

How DRS will impact business waste streams

One of the biggest changes businesses will notice is the reduction of bottles and cans within existing waste streams.

Businesses can expect:

• Fewer drinks containers in general waste
• Reduced volumes in mixed recycling (DMR)
• Cleaner recyclable material streams
• Changes to collection frequencies and container requirements

For some businesses, this could reduce waste costs.

For others, particularly high-volume retail or hospitality sites, it may create additional operational pressures around storage, returns handling, and machine management.

Sector-specific operational impacts

Retail and supermarkets

Businesses operating reverse vending machines will need to manage:

• Customer return points
• Container storage
• Machine cleaning and servicing
• Increased footfall around return areas

Hospitality and events

Hospitality venues may need to review:

• On-site consumption processes
• Waste segregation systems
• Storage areas for returned containers
• Staff responsibilities around returns handling

Producers and manufacturers

Producers will need to:

• Update packaging and labelling
• Ensure products are DRS compliant
• Register products correctly
• Meet additional reporting requirements

Why reverse vending machine maintenance matters

For businesses operating reverse vending machines (RVMs), cleaning and maintenance will become critical.

These machines are expected to process large volumes of containers daily, and poor maintenance can quickly lead to operational issues.

Without proper servicing and cleaning, businesses could face:

• Machine breakdowns
• Hygiene concerns
• Overflowing containers
• Customer frustration
• Delays in deposit refunds

Regular maintenance schedules, cleaning procedures, and appropriate storage capacity will all be essential to keep systems running efficiently.

This is likely to become particularly important for supermarkets, convenience retailers, transport hubs, and busy hospitality venues.

How businesses should prepare for DRS

1. Review your current waste data

Understanding your current bottle and can volumes is essential before DRS launches.

This helps businesses identify:

• Potential reductions in waste volumes
• Changes to recycling performance
• Opportunities to optimise collections and containers

2. Assess your site layout and storage capacity

Businesses should review:

• Space for returned containers
• Existing bin layouts
• Collection access and logistics
• Potential locations for reverse vending machines

Poor planning could lead to operational bottlenecks once DRS is introduced.

3. Prepare for operational changes

DRS will affect day-to-day operations across many sites.

Businesses should begin considering:

• Staff training requirements
• Cleaning responsibilities
• Customer interaction processes
• Waste handling procedures

4. Align with wider waste legislation

DRS forms part of a much wider shift in UK waste regulation alongside:

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• Simpler Recycling reforms
• Digital Waste Tracking

Together, these changes are increasing the need for better waste visibility, reporting, and operational control.

How Flame UK can help businesses prepare for DRS

At Flame UK, we help businesses prepare for operational and legislative changes through tailored waste management support.

As DRS approaches, reviewing your current waste setup early can help reduce disruption and avoid unnecessary costs.

Waste audits and waste stream reviews

We assess your current setup to identify:

• How DRS may impact your waste volumes
• Opportunities to improve segregation
• Areas where collections or containers can be optimised
• Potential cost-saving opportunities

Waste service optimisation

We help ensure your waste setup remains fit for purpose as waste streams change.

This includes reviewing:

• Container sizes
• Collection frequencies
• Bin layouts
• Site logistics and access

Helping businesses avoid overcapacity and unnecessary spending.

Reporting and compliance support

We provide clear waste reporting and visibility to help businesses prepare for changing compliance requirements and future waste legislation.

Operational support and guidance

We support businesses with practical preparation for DRS implementation, including operational advice and guidance around changing waste flows and site setup requirements.

The Takeaway

The UK Deposit Return Scheme will significantly change how drinks containers are managed across businesses in the UK.

For many organisations, the biggest impact will not just be compliance, but operational change.

Businesses that prepare early will be in a stronger position to:

• Reduce disruption
• Optimise waste collections
• Improve operational efficiency
• Adapt to changing legislation

With DRS set to launch in October 2027, now is the time to review your waste setup and start preparing.

Start preparing for DRS today

If you’re unsure how the Deposit Return Scheme could affect your business, Flame UK can help review your current waste management setup and prepare your site for the changes ahead.