8 May 2025
by Sarah Morgan

Deposit Return Scheme appoints management

The Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) will run the scheme in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Recycling a can for cash in a supermarket deposited into a recycling machine as part of an existing scheme.

© Losonsky/Shutterstock

Their appointment followed an application process assessed by UK Government, Scottish Government and DAERA in Northern Ireland.

The DMO is responsible for:

  • Meeting the collection targets laid down in the legislation.
  • Operation of the scheme, including management and oversight of the material and financial flows.
  • Producing and publishing technical information for businesses to prepare for the scheme.
  • Engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure they can contribute to the design of the scheme.
  • Raising consumer awareness of the scheme
  • Creating an easy process for users of the scheme to raise queries.

The UK Fovernment is working with the Scottish Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers by October 2027.  

The scheme will introduce a refundable deposit on single-use drinks containers. It will include drinks containers from 150ml to 3L made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, steel and aluminium.

The scheme aims to: 

  • Reduce litter 
  • increase recycling rates 
  • Create high-quality recycled materials that drinks producers can use again 

The regulators also manage compliance, monitoring and enforcement of regulations relevant to their nation. 

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