The Evolution of Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) Across the UK, Ireland, and Denmark

As sustainability and recycling take center stage in global environmental policies, Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) have emerged as a key initiative to improve recycling rates and reduce waste. These schemes require consumers to pay a refundable deposit on single-use beverage containers, incentivizing their return for recycling. While the concept is universal, the implementation varies across countries, each with unique regulations and timeframes. In this blog, we explore the differences in DRS programs across the UK, Ireland, and Denmark and how businesses can navigate these changes effectively. 

United Kingdom: A Gradual DRS Implementation 

The UK government has set a target to roll out its Deposit Return Scheme by October 2027 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The initiative aims to significantly improve recycling rates of single-use drink containers, covering plastic and metal containers between 150ml and 3 liters. Under the scheme, consumers will pay a deposit when purchasing beverages, which will be refunded upon returning the empty container to a designated collection point. 

A Deposit Management Organization (DMO) will oversee the program, managing deposit values and financial transactions between retailers, manufacturers, and waste collection entities. The DMO is expected to be appointed by the summer of 2025, after which businesses must adapt their supply chain processes and messaging systems to accommodate the changes.

Ireland: A Successful Start to DRS 

Ireland took a proactive step by launching its first Deposit Return Scheme, managed by Re-turn, in February 2024. The program has shown remarkable success, with over 111 million containers returned within the first six months. 

Ireland’s DRS covers plastic, aluminum, and glass containers, with refunds issued through reverse vending machines installed in supermarkets and other collection points. This system has been instrumental in increasing recycling rates and reducing litter. While some initial challenges arose—such as adapting production lines and addressing border complexities—the program is now widely regarded as a success and a potential model for other nations. 

Denmark: A Pioneering Model for DRS

Denmark has long been a leader in sustainability and implemented its Deposit Return Scheme as early as 2002. The Danish model covers plastic, aluminum, and glass beverage containers, operating under a centralized management system that ensures a seamless deposit collection and refund process. 

The country boasts some of the highest recycling rates in Europe, thanks to its efficient DRS infrastructure and consumer engagement. Many nations, including the UK, are looking to Denmark as a benchmark for successfully implementing and scaling DRS programs. 

Key DRS Differences and Timelines Across Countries

Country	Start Date	Covered Materials	Deposit Management
UK	October 2027	Plastic, Metal (150ml – 3L)	DMO (to be appointed by 2025)
Ireland	February 2024	Plastic, Aluminum, Glass	Managed by Re-turn
Denmark	2002	Plastic, Aluminum, Glass	Centralized Government-led System

How EDI Supports Compliance with DRS Regulations

For manufacturers, retailers, and distributors, DRS regulations require significant operational adjustments, such as new technologies like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). EDI enables the exchange of business documents between companies in a standardized electronic format. Widely used across industries, EDI plays a vital role in automating transactions, increasing accuracy, and reducing manual intervention in document exchange. It supports compliance by streamlining data exchanges related to deposits, returns, and reimbursements. 

With the introduction of DRS, businesses will need to modify their EDI message formats to include key data points such as deposit amounts, recycling fees, product codes, and refund tracking. This is essential for ensuring compliance with government reporting requirements and maintaining operational efficiency. Additionally, EDI enables seamless communication between manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and return centers, reducing manual errors and enhancing supply chain visibility. 

Retailers must ensure their EDI systems can handle real-time data exchanges to process deposits and reimbursements effectively. Distributors and manufacturers, on the other hand, must incorporate DRS-specific identifiers into their product labeling and transaction messages to maintain accurate records of units sold and returned. 

TrueCommerce: Simplifying DRS Compliance with EDI

At TrueCommerce, we specialize in seamless EDI solutions that help businesses integrate new regulatory requirements into their operations without disruptions. Our expertise in supply chain communications/messaging, integration, and regulatory compliance ensures that companies can adapt to evolving DRS requirements efficiently. 

With TrueCommerce EDI solutions, businesses can: 

• Ensure Compliance – Update message formats to include mandatory DRS data, such as deposit amounts and refund tracking. 

• Improve Efficiency – Reduce manual errors and ensure accurate data reporting by automating transaction records for deposits and returns. 

• Enhance Supply Chain Visibility – Maintain real-time data exchange between manufacturers, retailers, and waste management organizations. 

• Scale for Future Regulations – Easily modify EDI systems as DRS regulations evolve or expand to additional materials and territories. 

Our team at TrueCommerce has a proven track record of helping businesses across Europe adapt to complex legislative changes—such as e-invoicing. Whether your business operates in the UK, Ireland, Denmark, or beyond, we ensure a smooth transition to DRS compliance with minimal disruption to your existing workflows. 

Prepare Now for the Future of DRS

With the UK’s DRS rollout set for 2027 and Ireland’s scheme already delivering successful results, now is the time for businesses to act. Early compliance with regulatory changes will prevent disruptions and position businesses for success in an increasingly sustainability-focused market. 

By leveraging TrueCommerce’s EDI expertise, businesses can confidently navigate DRS requirements, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and a seamless customer experience. 

Contact our team to learn how TrueCommerce can help your business adapt to the evolving Deposit Return Schemes across Europe.