How Does A Deposit Return Scheme Work?

In an era where sustainability is more critical than ever, understanding initiatives like the deposit return scheme can empower businesses and individuals to tackle plastic waste effectively.

A deposit return scheme is a powerful tool in this mission, designed to boost recycling rates, reduce single-use bottles littering our streets, and promote a circular economy. But how exactly does a return scheme work? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Deposit Return Scheme?

A deposit return scheme is a system where consumers pay a small, refundable fee when they buy a drink in containers like plastic bottles, drinks bottles, or cans. This deposit is returned when the empty container is brought back to a designated collection point or return point, such as a reverse vending machine. 

The goal? To incentivise recycling, increase the return rate of materials, and keep valuable resources in circulation rather than ending up as household waste or litter.

This approach has proven successful worldwide, with countries like Norway achieving recycling rates above 90%. By contrast, the UK currently sits at around 70% for plastic drink containers—an area ripe for improvement. 

How Does a Return Scheme Work?

Here’s a step-by-step look at how a deposit return scheme operates:

Purchase with a Deposit: When you buy a drink, whether it’s in a plastic bottle or can, a small deposit is added to the price. This fee is clearly marked and refundable.

Return to a Collection Point: After enjoying your drink, you take the empty container to a return point. This could be a reverse vending machine at a supermarket or a manual collection point at a local shop. These machines scan the container, ensuring it’s part of the scheme, and issue a refund or voucher.

Refund Issued: Once returned, you get your deposit back—either as cash, a digital refund, or store credit. This simple process encourages consumers to participate, directly impacting the return rate.

Recycling and Reuse: Collected containers are then sorted and sent for recycling, ensuring they’re processed efficiently to support a circular economy.

The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It turns recycling into a rewarding habit, reducing litter and keeping materials like plastic drink bottles out of landfills.

The New Deposit Return Scheme for Drinks Containers in the UK

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the UK, as the UK Government has pledged to implement a new return scheme for drinks across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, set to launch in October 2027. 

Announced in January 2025, this initiative aims to tackle the estimated 6.5 billion single-use bottles and cans wasted annually across these regions, many of which litter beaches and streets.

Here’s what you need to know about the UK’s deposit return scheme:

Scope: The scheme will cover plastic bottles and metal cans (150ml to 3 litres), though glass bottles are excluded. This targets the estimated 30 billion single-use drinks containers each year.

Scheme Administrator: A not-for-profit, industry-led Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) will oversee operations, appointed in April 2025. This scheme administrator will ensure smooth coordination between producers, retailers, and recycling partners like Plastic Expert.

Goals: The UK Government aims to cut drinks container litter by 85% within three years, boosting recycling rates and reducing litter. With 97% of UK beaches showing drinks-related pollution in 2023, this is a critical step forward.

Implementation: By October 2027, consumers will use reverse vending machines or manual return points at stores to reclaim their deposits, making recycling accessible and convenient.

At Plastic Expert, we’re ready to support businesses adapting to this scheme. Our nationwide collection services can handle bulk plastic bottles and other recyclables, ensuring compliance and sustainability goals are met seamlessly.

Benefits for Businesses and the Environment

By integrating with collection points and recycling partners like Plastic Expert, companies can reduce their environmental footprint, appeal to eco-conscious customers, and contribute to a circular economy. The scheme also cuts household waste disposal costs, as more materials are diverted for recycling.

Environmentally, the impact is profound. Higher return rates mean fewer drinks bottles clogging landfill and incineration facilities, or polluting natural spaces. It’s a practical solution to reducing litter, preserving resources, and combating the plastic waste crisis—one plastic drink bottle at a time.

Why Plastic Expert Is Your Partner in Recycling

At Plastic Expert, we understand the complexities of waste management. Our expertise in collecting and recycling bulk loads of plastic nationwide makes us the ideal partner for businesses. We streamline the process, ensuring your waste is transformed into reusable materials.

Ready to enhance your recycling efforts? Contact Plastic Expert today to learn how we can support your business in navigating recyclable waste. We can also collect cardboard materials, hazardous waste, electronic equipment and much more.