Key findings:
- More than three in five (61%) UK supermarket shoppers have never heard of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
- 71% say they would be likely to return drinks containers to reclaim a 20p deposit.
- Over half (57%) prefer return machines located inside or outside supermarkets.
- More than four in five (84%) would be likely to return containers if they were collected alongside regular household recycling.
- Distance to return points (61%), queues (49%) and time-consuming returns (42%) are the biggest potential barriers.
The UK's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is set to launch in October 2027, introducing a refundable 20p deposit on eligible drinks containers. With the rollout approaching, how ready are shoppers to embrace the scheme?
New YouGov research explores awareness of the scheme, preferred return methods and the role convenience could play in encouraging participation and influencing shopping decisions.
UK Deposit Return Scheme: 71% of shoppers willing to return bottles despite low awareness
Awareness of the Deposit Return Scheme remains low, with 61% of UK supermarket shoppers saying they have never heard of it. Another 24% know little about how it works, while just 13% describe themselves as very or fairly familiar.
Despite limited awareness, 71% say they would be likely to return empty drinks containers to reclaim a 20p deposit. Only 13% indicate they would be unlikely to participate.
Willingness to participate is high across all age groups, ranging from 67% among 35–44-year-olds to 76% among those aged 18–24.
The findings suggest that despite limited awareness of the scheme, there is broad willingness to return containers, regardless of age.
Where would UK shoppers prefer to return bottles and cans under the Deposit Return Scheme?
Supermarkets emerge as the preferred destination for returning containers, although shoppers differ on where machines should be placed.
More than a third (35%) favour machines outside supermarkets or grocery shops, compared with 22% who prefer them inside. Another 11% would choose local convenience stores, while 8% favour dedicated recycling points.
However, collection services that eliminate the need for a separate trip attract even greater interest.
More than four in five shoppers (84%) say they would be likely to use a collection service alongside regular household recycling. Dedicated home collections appeal to 75%, followed by grocery delivery collections (61%).
Age differences are particularly noticeable for grocery delivery collections. Nearly three-quarters of 25–34-year-olds (73%) would be likely to use this option, compared with slightly more than half (51%) of those aged 55 and over.
These preferences highlight the appeal of integrating container returns into existing household routines, rather than requiring additional journeys.
Could Deposit Return Scheme return points influence UK shopping habits?
The Deposit Return Scheme could have implications beyond recycling, potentially influencing shoppers' choice of retailer.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they would be more likely to shop at a retailer that makes it easy to return drinks containers and reclaim their deposit.
The potential influence is particularly strong among younger shoppers. More than three-quarters of 18–24-year-olds (77%) say convenient return facilities would make them more likely to shop at a retailer.
By comparison, 55% of those aged 55 and over express the same sentiment, while 35% say such facilities would make no difference to their shopping decisions.
For retailers, providing easy access to returns could therefore offer an additional way to attract shoppers, particularly younger consumers.
How do UK shoppers prefer to receive their 20p Deposit Return Scheme refunds?
When it comes to reclaiming deposits, shoppers favour direct refunds over retailer-specific rewards.
More than two in five (43%) prefer receiving money on their payment card or digital wallet, followed by cash (25%). Retailer vouchers (10%) and loyalty points (9%) attract considerably less interest, while 4% would choose to donate their deposit to charity.
Digital refunds are especially popular among younger age groups. Over half of 25–34-year-olds (54%) and 18–24-year-olds (52%) prefer this method, compared with 34% of shoppers aged 55 and over.
What are the biggest barriers to UK Deposit Return Scheme participation?
While willingness to participate is high, practical barriers could discourage shoppers from returning containers.
Distance is the leading concern, with 61% saying return points being too far away would put them off. Nearly half (49%) cite queues, while 42% point to the time involved in making returns.
Uncertainty about where or how to return containers could deter 36%, followed by the need to store empties at home (30%) or carry them to return points (29%).
These concerns are broadly consistent across age groups, although shoppers aged 55 and over are more likely to be discouraged by queues than 18–24-year-olds (52% vs. 39%).
Only 7% say nothing would deter them from returning containers to reclaim their deposit.
Overall, the findings point to strong stated willingness to participate in the Deposit Return Scheme despite limited awareness. However, making returns accessible, straightforward and compatible with existing routines could be important in translating that willingness into action.
Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online between 28-29 September 2026, with a nationally representative sample of 2,048 adults who do their grocery shopping at a supermarket (aged 18+ years) in the United Kingdom, using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, gender, education, region and social grade to be representative of all adults in the United Kingdom (18 years or older) and reflect the latest ONS population estimates.
Image: Getty Images
