Businesses in England that sell or supply drinks should start reviewing how the Deposit Return Scheme may affect their operations. The scheme is due to begin on 1 October 2027. It will introduce a refundable deposit on certain single use drinks containers, with responsibilities for drinks producers, suppliers and retailers. GOV.UK
For businesses, preparation means understanding which responsibilities apply, planning how containers will be stored and returned, and reviewing existing waste collections. WS Recycling can help businesses assess their wider commercial recycling arrangements and find suitable services for the materials they produce.
Get in Touch TodayThe Deposit Return Scheme, often called the DRS, is designed to encourage people to return drinks containers for recycling. Customers will pay a deposit when they buy an eligible drink and receive a refund when they return the empty container to a participating return point.
In England, the scheme will cover single use drinks containers made wholly or mainly from polyethylene terephthalate plastic, aluminium or steel. Containers must hold between 150 millilitres and three litres. Milk bottles made from high density polyethylene are among the containers excluded from the scheme. GOV.UK
The rules will affect businesses differently. Producers, importers, wholesalers and retailers may have responsibilities if they place eligible drinks on the market or sell them to customers. Businesses that do not sell drinks may still want to review their recycling arrangements, especially if they generate large amounts of packaging or other recyclable waste.
Book a Free Business Waste Audit with W&S RecyclingIf your business makes or imports eligible drinks, you may need to register with the scheme administrator, apply deposits, use the required labelling and report the number of containers placed on the market.
Retailers selling eligible drinks will need to pay deposits when buying those products and charge deposits to customers. Some grocery retailers will also need to provide a return point, register with the scheme administrator, refund customers and store returned containers for collection. Exemptions may apply in certain circumstances, including to some small urban retailers. GOV.UK
Hospitality businesses should also consider how the rules fit their service. Businesses selling drinks for immediate consumption on their premises may choose not to charge the deposit at the point of sale. If they do so, they should collect and store the empty containers and display clear information for customers. GOV.UK
The exact requirements depend on what your business sells and how it operates. Check the current government guidance and scheme administrator information before making decisions about your premises, staff procedures or equipment.
Find Your Ideal Commercial Bin or Skip SizePreparing for the DRS is a useful opportunity to review the waste your business produces. Consider which materials you discard, how much you generate and whether your current collections suit your needs.
For example, a shop, restaurant, warehouse or office may produce a combination of general waste, cardboard, paper, glass, plastics and metals. Keeping suitable materials separate can make recycling easier to manage and help prevent recyclable items from being mixed with general waste.
It is also sensible to consider where waste is stored, how staff separate it and how often collections are needed. If your business introduces a container return point, you may need to review the available space and how returned containers will be kept before collection.
A commercial recycling provider can help you understand your collection options. WS Recycling provides commercial waste and recycling services, including scheduled collections and wheelie bins for general waste, recycling, glass and cardboard. Available services can be discussed in line with your business needs.
Speak to Our Poole Recycling Team TodayBusinesses often manage several waste streams alongside drinks containers. WS Recycling can discuss your commercial recycling requirements and help you find an appropriate service for materials such as cardboard, glass and general waste.
The company’s commercial recycling services are available to businesses in Dorset and beyond. A tailored quotation can help you understand the collection options available for your premises and the types of waste your business produces. W&S
The Deposit Return Scheme has its own rules and collection arrangements. A commercial waste provider should not be assumed to operate a DRS return point or collect scheme containers unless this has been confirmed. Instead, ask how your regular commercial collections can work alongside any separate procedures your business needs to introduce for the scheme.
Schedule Flexible Commercial Collections with W&SStart by identifying whether your business produces, imports or sells drinks covered by the scheme. Then check which responsibilities apply to your role in the supply chain.
If you sell eligible drinks, review the government guidance on deposits, return points and exemptions. If you provide drinks for consumption on your premises, decide how you will collect and store empty containers if you choose not to charge the deposit at the point of sale.
Next, assess your wider waste arrangements. Identify the materials your business produces, check whether they are separated appropriately and consider whether your existing collection schedule and containers are still suitable.
Finally, speak to your staff and give them clear instructions. Well understood procedures can help your team manage everyday recycling and prepare for any new processes linked to the DRS.
Book Compliant WEEE & Hazardous Waste Disposal +Preparing for the Deposit Return Scheme involves more than understanding how customers return eligible drinks containers. It is also a good time to check that your business has practical arrangements for its wider recyclable and general waste.
WS Recycling provides commercial waste and recycling services for businesses in Dorset and beyond. Contact the team on 01202 675564 to discuss your requirements and request a tailored quotation.
Get a Commercial Quote
