What is the Deposit Return Scheme?
The Deposit Return Scheme is one of the most significant environmental policy shifts in decades.
From 1 October 2027, a small refundable deposit (around 20p) will be added to every eligible single-use plastic bottle and aluminium can sold in the UK. Consumers get it back when they return empty containers to a registered collection point or reverse vending machine.
The aim is to divert an estimated 24.5 billion drinks containers per year into a dedicated closed-loop recycling system — dramatically improving recycling quality and reducing litter nationwide.
What must hospitality venues do to comply with the DRS?
Hospitality venues including pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and theatres are not required to be mandatory return points currently under the Exchange for Change (EfC) scheme.
However, it is expected that they will be included in a second phase of the DRS rollout.
Talk to our DRS consultants to prepare for the future roll-out for hospitality and to get a free waste audit to see the percentage of eligible containers in your recycling.
What must offices and other workplaces do to comply with the DRS?
Your office or workplace is not required to operate a DRS return point, but the scheme will affect how containers are managed across your existing waste streams.
Your staff will be buying drinks in containers that carry a refundable deposit, so it is worth giving them an easy way to return them at work and claim it back. This will also ensure your recycling rate is not impacted by changing legislation as First Mile can continue to collect your mixed recycling and separated plastic bottles and cans, and provide full reporting of materials collected.
Talk to our DRS consultants today and explore our DRS solutions for workplaces without the full cost of a reverse vending machine solution.
Voluntary DRS FAQs
Do hospitality venues need to operate a DRS return point?
Pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and theatres are not required to be mandatory return points under the Exchange for Change scheme. However, both the Government and Exchange for Change explicitly allow these types of businesses to opt into the Deposit Return Scheme and it is expected that hospitality businesses will be included in a second phase of the rollout.
Does my office need to become a return point?
Offices and workplaces are not required to operate a return point. However, staff will still be buying drinks in containers that carry a refundable deposit, so it's worth giving them an easy way to return these at work and claim the deposit back.
Will the DRS affect my existing recycling collections?
It can, since eligible bottles and cans move into the deposit system rather than your general recycling. First Mile can continue to collect your mixed recycling alongside separated plastic bottles and cans, with full reporting on materials collected, so your recycling rate isn't affected by the change in legislation.
Do I need a reverse vending machine if I'm not a mandatory return point?
A reverse vending machine is not mandatory. First Mile's voluntary DRS solutions let offices, workplaces and hospitality venues give staff or customers a simple way to return containers, without the full cost of installing an RVM.
Can I find out how many of my containers are eligible under the DRS?
First Mile offers a free waste audit for hospitality venues to see what percentage of your recycling is made up of eligible containers, helping you understand the scale of the change ahead of the second phase rollout.
