A year to go: what industry still needs before DRS goes live

By Sarah Knox and Andy Bagnall2026-10-02T09:30:00

With all the structural pieces in place, the next 12 months must deliver clarity for producers and retailers, says Andy Bagnall, director general of the British Soft Drinks Association

The deposit return scheme (DRS) is happening.

With one year to go until the October 2027 launch, the most important jigsaw pieces are now in place. International experience suggests the scheme could boost recycling levels to over 90%, halve litter and keep strategically valuable materials circulating in the UK.

A year to go: what industry still needs before DRS goes live

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