DRS regulations passed through House of Commons

Following a debate on 21 January, the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) regulations for England and Northern Ireland have passed through the House of Commons. 

This means the planned implementation date for the schemes of October 2027 seems increasingly likely.  

The passing of the regulations, with 352 MPs voting in favour, comes around the same time government has released tenders for Deposit Management Organisations (DMOs). Due to the devolved nature of the regulations, there will likely be three distinct DMOs – for Wales, Scotland, and a joint organisation for England and Northern Ireland. These organisations will be industry based and will have several key responsibilities such as setting the deposit level and organising the collection logistics for deposited containers.  

Scotland already have DRS regulations in place due to plans to implement their scheme several years ago. Although the scheme was delayed and will be launched in line with Northern Ireland and England, they will be amended to reflect this as opposed to re-laid.

Wales, however, stated they have opted out of the joint DRS process in 2024, likely due to their position on including glass containers despite the DRS’ in the other three nations excluding them. Therefore, it is unclear currently whether they will pass DRS legislation in time for the anticipated October 2027 start date.  

If you're an Ecosurety Member and want to know more about how you're impacted by the DRS, please contact your Account Manager, or email us at info@ecosurety.com.