Deposit return schemes

Scotland's deposit return scheme will help to recycle billions of bottles and cans every year.

People will pay a 20 pence deposit when they buy a drink that comes in a single-use container made of PET plastic, steel and aluminium. They will get their money back when they return the empty container to one of tens of thousands of return points.

Drinks producers will have a legal responsibility for the collection and management of drinks containers covered by the scheme.

Producers will be legally responsible for the collection and management of drinks containers in preparation for recycling. For products branded in the UK, the producer is defined as the owner of the brand. For products which are imported into the UK, the producer is defined as the importer or someone selling drinks in single-use containers that are filled and sealed at point of sale.

Find more information about Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme.

What do Northern Ireland businesses need to do?

Northern Ireland producers who manufacture products for the Scottish market should find out now if and how you need to interact with the scheme.

You can find more information on the scheme, including registration requirements, technical and labelling specifications, producer fees, and various methods of contact on the Zero Waste Scotland website.