What is the Deposit Return Scheme?
Deposit return schemes are established in many countries. They help to tackle climate change and reduce litter. In Scotland, the scheme is designed to tackle throwaway culture and help protect the environment for generations to come.
People will pay a 20p deposit when they buy a drink that comes in a single-use container made of PET plastic, steel and aluminium or glass. They will get their money back when they return the empty container to one of tens of thousands of return points.
The scheme aims to:
- Improve recycling rates
- Increase the quality of recycling materials
- Reduce litter
Page last updated: 2 March 2023