Scheme Design
In May 2019, the Scottish Government revealed its design for a deposit return scheme including the proposed 20p deposit and target materials.
In this section:
Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers is a key milestone in the Scottish Government’s strategies to address climate change, improve recycling rates and reduce litter.
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May
2019
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September
2019
Regulations go to Parliament
The Scottish Government publishes the draft legislation for The Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020.
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May
2020
Regulations Pass in Parliament
On 13 May, the Scottish Parliament voted to approve the Regulations establishing Scotland’s national Deposit Return Scheme.
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March
2021
Circularity Scotland Appointed Scheme Administrator
On 24 March 2021 the Scottish Government confirmed that it had approved Circularity Scotland’s application to become the scheme’s administrator.
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December
2022
Producer Registration Begins
Producers were able to sign up with Circularity Scotland to start getting ready for the formal registration process.
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March
2023
Return Point Operator Registration Begins
Retailers will be able to register as Return Point Operators.
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August
2023
DRS Goes Live
On 16 August 2023, Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will go live, consumers will start paying a 20p deposit at point of purchase.
Please note that future dates are subject to change. We will regularly review and update this page to keep the information up to date.
FAQs
The scheme will launch on the 16th of August 2023. If you’d like us to keep you up to speed with any changes, why not sign up for updates.