UK to introduce 20p deposit return scheme for bottles and cans

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 08:58 · Archive

The UK will launch a Deposit Return Scheme from October 2027, paying shoppers 20p for returning empty plastic bottles and cans.

The UK is to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme from October 1, 2027, paying shoppers 20p for returning empty plastic bottles and cans to collection points. Customers will be charged the deposit when buying drinks in plastic bottles or metal cans and can reclaim it when they return the empty containers. The refund can be received in cash, voucher or card, and no receipt is needed.

Collection points will be found at major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's, as well as at convenience stores and newsagents that sell drinks. The empty containers will be recycled after return. The scheme is being delivered by Exchange for Change, who confirmed the 20p deposit will apply to all in-scope containers.

Other countries have already introduced similar schemes. Travis Way, managing director at EcoVend, said the flat 20p rate simplifies implementation and reduces administrative complexity for businesses. He added that the uniform deposit supports consumer understanding and mirrors other established European schemes, and that having clarity at this stage allows retailers, producers and operators to plan with greater confidence for infrastructure, cashflow and customer engagement.

How it is being reported

• Shoppers to get 20p for returning bottles and cansA new Deposit Return Scheme is set to be introduced across the UK to encourage people to recycle empty plastic bottles and cans.Westmorland Gazette · 10 Nov, 08:24
• Shoppers to get 20p for returning bottles and cansA new Deposit Return Scheme is set to be introduced across the UK to encourage people to recycle empty plastic bottles and cans.Cumberland News · 10 Nov, 08:24
• Shoppers to get 20p for returning bottles and cansA new Deposit Return Scheme is set to be introduced across the UK to encourage people to recycle empty plastic bottles and cans.Whitehaven News · 10 Nov, 08:24
• Shoppers to get 20p for returning bottles and cansA new Deposit Return Scheme is set to be introduced across the UK to encourage people to recycle empty plastic bottles and cans.NW Evening Mail · 10 Nov, 08:24

In this story: UK · Tesco · Asda · Morrisons · Sainsbury's · Exchange for Change · Travis Way · EcoVend

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log