Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: The deposit scheme for England and Northern Ireland comes into force on 1 October 2027 and covers PET bottles and steel or aluminium cans. In England sellers must charge at least 10 pence per single use carrier bag.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containers; England and Northern IrelandNo [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containers; England and Northern IrelandPET plastic bottles, Steel cans, Aluminium cans [2]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers; England and Northern Ireland⚠ Not yet verified
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bags; EnglandCharge required [3]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bags; EnglandA seller must charge at least 10 pence (including any VAT) for each single use carrier bag. [3]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bags; EnglandThe charge covers bags with handles made of lightweight plastic, meaning plastic not thicker than 70 microns. [4]

Notes

  • The England and Northern Ireland deposit scheme regulations come into force on 1 October 2027. Some preparatory provisions, such as appointing the scheme administrator, came into force earlier.
  • In scope are single-use bottles and cans of 150 millilitres to 3 litres made wholly or mainly from PET, steel or aluminium. Glass is not an in-scope material.
  • The deposit level is set by the deposit management organisation (regulation 59). No amount is fixed in the regulations.
  • This rule is for England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own bag charge rules, not covered here. Some bags are excluded, for example unwrapped food bags and returnable multiple-reuse bags.

Sources

  1. legislation.gov.uk: The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025, regulation 1 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. legislation.gov.uk: The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025, regulation 8 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. legislation.gov.uk: The Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England) Order 2015, article 3 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. legislation.gov.uk: The Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England) Order 2015, article 2 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.