Deposit Return Scheme FAQs

Scotland had planned to be the first nation in the UK to implement a Deposit Return Scheme however in June 2023 this was delayed. You can read the statement from the Scottish Government here.  Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will now launch in October 2025 at the same time as Deposit Return Schemes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland has a separate Deposit Return Scheme going live in February 2024. You can find more information about the scheme here.

A well-designed Deposit Return Scheme reduces littering, improves the quality and quantity of recycling, and plays a positive role in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

If you sell single use beverage containers in Scotland, yes, unless you meet very specific exemption criteria.

SEPA has powers under The Environmental Regulation (Enforcement Measures) (Scotland) Order 2015, including the power to impose fixed or variable criminal penalties for noncompliance (on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum of £10,000, or on indictment and conviction an unlimited fine).

The scheme is designed to be cost neutral for retailers. You will therefore receive a “handling fee” from the scheme administrator to reimburse you for the costs of playing your part in the Deposit Return Scheme.

A reasonable handling fee is defined in the legislation as: 

• A fee charged by a return point operator in relation to scheme packaging returned by a consumer to that return point that considers the following:
  • The costs of purchase, lease, maintenance and upkeep of any reverse vending machine associated with the collection and storage of scheme packaging
  • The cost of materials used in respect of the collection and storage of scheme packaging
  • The rental value of any floor space utilised solely for the collection and storage of scheme packaging
  • Staff time dedicated solely to the collection and storage of scheme packaging.
• A fee charged by a retailer providing a takeback service in relation to scheme packaging returned through that takeback service, that considers the following:
  • Costs associated with use of a vehicle to collect scheme packaging
  • the cost of materials used in respect of the collection and storage of that scheme packaging
  • The rental value of any floor space utilised solely for the collection and storage of that scheme packaging
  • Staff time dedicated solely to the collection and storage of that scheme packaging
  • The delivery costs associated with return of that scheme packaging.