Another big change is coming to plastic bottles — but it could earn you money

Key Points

• The UK plans to introduce a deposit return scheme in 2027, adding a 20p refundable deposit to single-use bottles and cans


• Consumers can get refunds by returning containers to reverse vending machines or in-store points, to boost recycling rates


• Similar schemes abroad have reduced litter and increased recycling, but some Brits express concerns about accessibility and costs

Created with AI assistance.

Quality assured by Metro editors.

Show more

Can’t resist a can of Diet Coke from the corner shop, or a bottle of Oasis from the supermarket?

Well, from next year, you’ll be paying a little bit more for your favourite beverage – and it’ll look a little different too.

The government has confirmed a new deposit return scheme (DRS) is set to be introduced from October 2027, which will add an additional 20p deposit onto the price of drinks sold in single-use bottles and cans.

Known as Exchange for Change, all drinks involved in the DRS scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will feature a specific logo, showing a bottle transforming into coins.

So how does the scheme work?

When the scheme is rolled out across the UK in 2027, a 20p deposit will be applied to all drinks sold in PET plastic, aluminium and steel single-use containers, measuring between 150ml and three litres.

To get your deposit back, you’ll have to return the empty container to an in-store return point or reverse vending machine (RVM).

The RVM works in the way you’d expect – you put the product in, and get money out.

These types of machines have previously given paper vouchers, but many are now becoming contactless.

It’s not yet clear exactly how they’ll work in the UK.

Why 20p?

Exchange for Change (EfC) told Better Retailing that the 20p ‘flat rate’ is intended to ‘ensure the system is simple for consumers while still providing a strong incentive to return packaging’.

Research found that a deposit that was 15p or less would be unlikely to incentivise people to return containers, while a 30p deposit ‘risked placing excessive cost pressure on consumers’.

The UK’s goal is to have a 90% return rate for all containers within the first three years of the scheme’s launch.

Similar schemes have already been implemented in 30 countries around the world, including Singapore, Australia, Barbados, Finland, Canada, Lithuania, Germany and Sweden, and they’ve been hailed as ‘successful’.

Perhaps the most successful is in Germany, which has an average return rate of 98%, according to global eNGO Reloop.

Don't miss our Money tips!

Add us as a Preferred Source

At Metro Money, we're here to bring you all the latest news and advice on personal finance, cost of living, saving and investing.

As part of our vibrant community of highly engaged readers, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories.

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Add us as a Preferred Source

What do consumers have to say about DRS?

Those who have seen the scheme in action have said it ‘works super well’.

On Instagram, @holls_wandering claimed it had reduced littering and was earning some people money, as they were going around and picking up stray empty cans and bottles left in parks, to claim 20p from them.

She said: ‘It’s a great way to help the environment and keep the streets clean.

‘It reduces littering as people collect them from parks or streets and return them.’
And @seannehkelleh claimed: ‘We’ve had similar in Ireland for a while now, it works well.

People still moan about it, but the recycling rate of drinks containers has increased massively, so it works.’

POLL

What are your thoughts on the deposit return scheme?

• A great idea!

• Needs some work

• I'm unsure

• Not a fan

‘So instead of putting them in the recycling collection bag, I have to make the 20-mile round trip to drive to the supermarket?

Sounds great for the environment,’ complained @another.trainee.spark.

Others were outraged by the additional amount they’d initially have to pay for their drinks – especially if buying a multipack.

‘So a pack of 30 cans of Coke Zero is gonna cost an extra £6?

That seems ridiculous,’ proclaimed @charleshoile.

What do you think about the new deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans?Comment Now
And some also were unsure what impact this would have on those with disabilities, who shop online and may struggle to get to a shop to return the containers.

‘I’m already wondering how this is going to affect disabled people,’ @libsybum admitted.

While @arthritical thought it was ‘essentially another disabled tax someone will have to pay’.

There’s still a while to go until the scheme is applied nationwide, so Exchange for Change still have quite a few details to figure out, but Metro has contacted them for comment.

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.