The UK’s 20p bottle and can return scheme is advancing toward launch, with registration now open for businesses and infrastructure announced.
What Happened This Week
Business registration for the deposit return scheme opened on 29 September 2026.
On 30 September, Exchange for Change revealed five recycling businesses and six processing facilities set to operate from launch.
These will be supported by around 400 collection vehicles, creating approximately 700 new jobs.
Key Facts About the Scheme
- The 20p deposit applies to eligible plastic drinks bottles and cans made from PET, aluminium, or steel.
- Containers must be between 150ml and three litres in size.
- Refunds are available for containers returned by anyone, not just the original buyer.
- No receipt or proof of purchase is required to claim a refund.
- Only containers sold after 1 October 2027 qualify for the deposit.
How the Refund Works
When you buy an eligible drink, a 20p deposit is added to the price at checkout.
You return the container to a designated point or machine to get the deposit back.
For example, a 24-can multipack adds £4.80 to your bill upfront. Returning all cans gives you that amount back.
Who Gets the Refund?
Defra’s guidance states that anyone who legitimately picks up and returns an eligible container is entitled to the 20p refund.
This includes people who find a bottle or can discarded in public.
It does not mean taking containers from private property or someone else’s bins.
What Conditions Apply?
Containers must be intact and empty to be accepted.
Return points can refuse items that are soiled, still contain liquid, or are damaged.
A missing lid does not automatically disqualify a container.
Why It Matters
Households will see a temporary increase in the cost of drinks, especially in multipacks.
For families buying several packs at once, the deposit cost could add up.
Returning containers may encourage litter picking up during walks or community clean-ups.
Limitations and Open Questions
Only containers sold after 1 October 2027 will have the deposit.
Old stock may still be on shelves, so shoppers may see both DRS and non-DRS containers at first.
Shops can refuse returns if the number of containers is disproportionately large compared to normal sales.
For example, a shop may not accept 100 cans at once, even if they are worth £20.
What to Watch Next
More detailed instructions for consumers are expected before the scheme launches on 1 October 2027.
Public return points and machines will be available at retail locations and community sites.
For more details, visit Skint Dad’s full article.
The scheme is part of a broader effort to improve recycling and reduce litter. It reflects a shift toward consumer engagement in waste management.
While the 20p refund may seem small, it supports a system where everyday actions contribute to environmental goals.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Can & bottle (2116271449).jpg by runran from An island in the stream, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source · License
