Deposit Return Scheme

A deposit return scheme involves consumers paying a small amount of money (the deposit) for the container when they purchase a drink to take away. This is refunded in full when they return the empty container.    

The concept of a “deposit return” system for drinks containers is nothing new. Many people will remember getting money back for their “ginger” deposit bottles in the past but, rather than being limited to those brands which choose to operate their own deposit bottle return scheme, modern national deposit return schemes (DRS) require everyone producing and selling drinks in single-use containers to take part. 

Schemes like this are already operating successfully in many countries across Europe and in several US and Australian states. Scotland is proud to be the first UK nation to embrace the idea. The scheme is designed to deliver two major benefits. It will ensure that materials are recycled to the very highest standards, helping to build a circular economy and  it will also reduce the incidence of litter.  As well as making Scotland a cleaner, greener place to live and visit, this will protect our ecosystems and save millions of pounds in clean-up and other associated costs.

What’s included

The deposit return scheme will include all single use drinks containers made of PET plastic, metal and glass and will cover both alcoholic and soft drinks. The scheme will not include HDPE plastic containers (the kind used for milk and some other drinks) or lined cardboard containers like Tetrapak. 

How much is the deposit?

Every item included in the container return scheme will carry a deposit of 20p which will be refunded to the consumer when they take it back to any return point. 

Where will I be able to return containers? 

You’ll be able to return your bottles and cans to any retail, and hospitality premises that sell drinks to take away in single-use PET plastic , metal or glass containers. 

Some of these will accept items over the counter, while larger stores, shopping centres and transport hubs will operate automated receiving points known as reverse vending machines (RVMs). 

How to return your drink container

Simply take your empty, PET plastic and glass bottles and metal drinks cans to a return point where you’ll be refunded with either a cash payment over the counter or a voucher, if the return point operates a reverse vending machine.  Vouchers can be used to pay for some of your shopping in store or you can ask for cash instead. In most cases you will be able to donate your deposit to selected charities and community groups.

You’ll find return points anywhere you can buy drinks in containers included in the scheme and at a range of other participating sites. 

Online retailers will also collect your empty drinks containers and refund your deposit.

For further information on the Deposit Return Scheme visit Circularity Scotland