Deposit Return Scheme - frequently asked questions

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help answer your questions about Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and how it will be regulated.

The FAQs include information on the Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020 and what they mean for drink producers and retailers.

A deposit return scheme works by charging anyone who buys a drink a small deposit for the bottle or can that it comes in. They get this money back when they return the bottle or can to a collection point to be recycled.

DRS will go live for consumers in October 2025.

The FAQs include information on:

• deposits and costs
• producer registration
• importers
• labelling and signage
• return points
• definitions

Yes, any business in Scotland can read this guide. However, the guide is aimed at businesses that produce, import, or sell drinks in single-use bottles or cans.

It is free to read this guide.

This guide is for Scottish businesses that produce, import, or sell drinks in single-use bottles or cans.

If you make, import, buy or sell drinks in Scotland, you may have legal responsibilities (obligations) under the Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020.

It’s important that businesses understand their obligations and are ready for the scheme when it goes live in October 2025.

Visit SEPA's website to read the guide.