The news comes after MPs overwhelmingly backed secondary legislation relating to DRS during a vote in parliament on 21 January.
Once the scheme launches, consumers will have a financial incentive to return empty containers to a collection point, such as at their local supermarket, so that the bottle or can will be recycled.
Containers ranging in size from 150ml to 3L that are made from plastic or metal will be included in the scheme.
“This Government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society,” said circular economy minister Mary Creagh.
“This is a vital step as we stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets, rivers and oceans and protect our treasured wildlife. Turning trash into cash also delivers on our Plan for Change by kickstarting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs.”
Northern Ireland’s agriculture, environment and rural affairs minister Andrew Muir added: “I have ambitious goals to protect our climate, drive green growth and reduce unnecessary waste. The creation of a Deposit Return Scheme plays a key part in delivering those goals.”
DRS is used in more than 50 countries worldwide including Germany, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, with the average return rate for European countries with a DRS sitting at 90%.
Scotland’s own regulations are also progressing, with the country expected to adopt a scheme that matches the one set to be implemented in England and Northern Ireland.
The Welsh Government is working on its own separate DRS after pulling out of the UK-wide process in November 2024.
It is understood that the Welsh Government hopes to include glass in its DRS, whereas glass will be excluded across the rest of the UK.
The adoption of secondary legislation has enabled the appointment of the scheme administrator – known as the Deposit Management Organisation – in April 2025. This will be a not-for-profit, industry-led body responsible for the administration and day-to-day running of the scheme.
The news was welcomed by Reloop UK and Ireland director, Sarah Horner, who said the organisation fully supports the government in tackling the “scourge of litter”.
“The Republic of Ireland has seen almost 1bn containers returned since its scheme launched last February, and surveys there have reported huge falls in drinks litter around the country,” Horner explained.
“Around the world, countries are rolling out deposit return schemes to boost recycling rates and tackle litter. Austria launched its scheme this month, and Spain has recently announced its own initiative.
“This widespread global support highlights how bottle deposit return systems represent international best practice for creating a sustainable and circular economy, while helping to tackle litter in our seas, rivers, trails, and streets.”
