Guidance for Hospitality Businesses

With the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to come into effect in October 2027, hospitality businesses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes and consider how these may affect their operations.

The scheme is designed to encourage the return and recycling of eligible drinks containers. Its introduction will bring new considerations for businesses that sell and serve drinks, making it important to understand the requirements ahead of implementation.

What does this mean for hospitality?

The scheme will apply to eligible drinks containers, with requirements covering plastic bottles and metal cans, as well as glass containers in Wales under the planned arrangements.

Hospitality businesses should take the opportunity to understand the scheme, including the relevant requirements for handling and returning eligible containers, and any registration arrangements that may apply.

Preparing in advance will help businesses understand their responsibilities and consider what procedures may need to be put in place before the scheme comes into effect.

Read the guidance

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) and UKHospitality have published guidance to help businesses understand the Deposit Return Scheme and prepare for its introduction.

The guidance provides a useful overview of the scheme, highlighting key considerations and practical information relevant to the hospitality sector.

We encourage all hospitality businesses to read the guidance below to learn more about the scheme and the steps they can take to prepare ahead of October 2027.