The UK Government has confirmed the UK’s deposit return scheme will go live in October 2027 after the Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh previously said it would be implemented sooner.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed to Circular Online that the UK’s deposit return scheme (DRS) will go live in October 2027.
Defra clarified their position after the Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh previously said the government were committed to introducing the DRS sooner.
Defra told Circular Online: “We are committed to delivering the DRS, which will go live in October 2027, and will continue to work with industry as we take this forward.”
In March, the then Defra Secretary Conservative MP Steve Barclay told the Environmental Audit Committee that the 2025 DRS start date was “unrealistic” and 2027 was now “more likely”.
The Conservative government went on to announce a revised timeline for the launch of a nationwide DRS by October 2027.
Environmental campaigners have urged the Labour government to prioritise introducing a “comprehensive” DRS.
Creagh responds to parliamentary question on DRS
On 6 November, Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell asked the Environment Secretary if he would bring forward the start date of the DRS.
Responding to the parliamentary question, Creagh said: “This government is committed to creating a circular economy that: uses our resources as efficiently and productively as possible, minimises environmental impacts, accelerates our progress on net zero, supports economic growth, and creates new jobs.
“This government is also committed to delivering the DRS for drinks containers in October 2027, as agreed with the devolved governments of the UK, and in accordance with the Joint Policy Statement published in April 2024.”
Earlier this year, Creagh confirmed the UK’s DRS will not include glass as an in-scope material.
