Government announces operator for DRS initiative

UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd (UK DMO) has been announced as the operator of the new Deposit Return Schemes for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. 

The appointment has been made by the UK government and DAERA. In Scotland, Scottish ministers have also decided that UK DMO should be designated as the DRS administrator, subject to the approval of the Scottish parliament.

As previsouly reported, Wales will launch its own scheme away from the other devolved administrations.

UK DMO has been tasked by the three governments with delivering a Deposit Return Scheme to go live in October 2027. From that date, when people buy drinks containers made from PET plastic, steel and aluminium between 150ml and 3 litres, they will pay a small deposit, which they will get back in full when they return the empty container for recycling.

Last year, it was confirmed that hospitality venues will not be required to act as a return point, but venues can voluntarily host a return point. This, trade body UKHospitality says, is a significant victory for the sector due to the cost and complexity involved.

Who is UK DMO and what will it do?

UK DMO is a business-led, not-for-profit organisation created to deliver one of the most significant environmental infrastructure programmes in a generation across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Once launched, the Deposit Return Schemes will cut litter, boost recycling and reduce carbon emissions. 

According to a report from The Countryside Charity, introducing DRS is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs across the UK and will bring significant investment in infrastructure required to deliver the scheme including storage, logistics and reprocessing.

UK DMO will now begin engaging with partners, including the three governments, business, drinks producers and retailers, consumer and environmental groups to design and operate a scheme which it hopes will work for everyone.

Producers, retailers and other interested parties are encouraged to visit the UK DMO website and register their interest in getting updates.

UK DMO is governed by a board that brings together voices from across the drinks and retail sector across all three nations. Members have been nominated by trade associations representing both large and small producers, major supermarkets, small convenience stores and wholesalers from across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. 

The board includes figures from companies including Shepley Spring, Radnor Hills, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Heineken UK, Lidl, Tesco and Co-op.

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