The Deposit Return Scheme goes live on the 1st of October 2025.

Following the announcement of the Scottish Government on the 7th of June, the proposed date for the Deposit Return Scheme will be in October 2025. We will keep you informed on any new developments on DRS.

Guidance for retailers

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Scotland is a new policy created by the Scottish Government. It is designed to make it easier for consumers to return their single use drinks containers. The scheme puts emphasis on both manufacturers of drinks, and also retailers, selling drinks as single use containers.

Everyone in Scotland is encouraged to return single use drinks containers. Retailers will charge a 20p deposit on bottles and cans, and consumers will receive 20p back for each bottle or can they return to a designated collection point for recycling.

You are a return point operator if you sell drinks in Scotland, even if that is not your core business

Return Point Operator Registration

A return point operator (RPO) is anyone who provides a service that collects the recyclable containers included in the Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and refunds consumers' deposits.

If you sell drinks in single-use containers, between 50ml and 3 Litres volume, made from PET plastic, aluminium & steel cans or glass that are taken off-site to consume, you must register as a Return Point.

Return Points are where consumers can return their empty single-use containers and get their 20p deposit back.

All retailers who are not applying for any exemption MUST register as a Return Point Operator (RPO) online. It is recommended that retailers register on the circulatoryscotland.com and refer to the guide to registration here.

Information on Return Point Operators can be found here.

Types of Return Points:

• Manual Return Point
• Reverse Vending Machine
• Voluntary Return Point

Guide on how to apply for Exemptions:

Two types of Return Point Exemption:

• Proximity Exemption: operating a Return Point from your premises if there is an alternative Return Point of equal convenience nearby that has agreed to accept scheme containers on your behalf. This is what is known as a proximity exemption.
• Environmental health exemption: if your business can demonstrate that operating a return point puts your business in breach of other legislation, such as environmental health, food, or fire safety.

Return Point Exemption details and forms can be found here

Guidance on Exemptions is found here.

For more information about the scheme, please find useful links below:

Deposit Return Scheme | Circularity Scotland Ltd

Deposit-Return-Scheme-Information.pdf (zerowastescotland.org.uk)

Other useful Links

Deposit Return Scheme | Deposit Return Scheme (zerowastescotland.org.uk)

Frequently Asked Questions | Circularity Scotland Ltd

Information for Retailers | Deposit Return Scheme (zerowastescotland.org.uk)

News | Circularity Scotland Ltd