Government appoints operator to oversee deposit return schemes across UK

The UK Government has officially appointed Circularity Scotland as the official Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for the Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This pivotal move marks a significant step forward in the nationwide implementation of the DRS initiative, which is designed to reduce littering and boost recycling rates for drinks containers such as plastic bottles and cans.

Circularity Scotland, which previously managed the initial stages of Scotland’s DRS before its delay, brings valuable experience and infrastructure to support the rollout across the rest of the UK. As DMO, the organisation will act as a central coordinator, working with producers, retailers, local authorities, and regulators to ensure smooth and efficient scheme delivery.

The current directors of the DMO board are as followed:

Julian Hunt – Soft Drinks Producer

• Nominated by: British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA)
• Company: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

James Smith – Water Producer

• Nominated by: Natural Source Waters Association (NSWA)
• Company: Shepley Spring

Boudewijn Haarsma – Alcoholic Drinks Producer

• Nominated by: British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)
• Company: Heineken

Jonathan Kemp – Small Producer

• Nominated by: BSDA, NSWA, BBPA
• Company: Radnor Hills

Robert Beaumont – Large Producer Retailer

• Nominated by: British Retail Consortium (BRC)
• Company: Lidl

David Beardmore – Large Producer Retailer

• Nominated by: BRC
• Company: Tesco

Rebecca Oliver-Mooney – Small Store Operator

• Nominated by: Association of Convenience Stores, National Federation of Retail Newsagents, Scottish Grocers Federation
• Company: Co-op

Richard Booth – Wholesaler

• Nominated by: Federation of Wholesale Distributors, Scottish Wholesale Association
• Company: Formerly of Bestway

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) emphasised the importance of this appointment in aligning the UK with global environmental best practices. The DRS model encourages consumers to return empty drinks containers by offering a small financial deposit as an incentive, which can be reclaimed upon return.

A unified operator is expected to streamline logistics, reduce administrative burdens for businesses, and provide clarity for consumers. The Government also aims to ensure interoperability between the schemes in each UK nation, while still respecting devolved responsibilities and differing timelines.

Circularity Scotland’s CEO expressed readiness to work collaboratively across the supply chain, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of a well-run DRS.

The rollout of DRS across the UK is expected to begin this year.

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