The scheme, which aims to encourage recycling and reduce littering, was originally set for a 2025 launch.
The new deadline is now October 2027 following consultations by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and discussions with the devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.
Minister of water and rural growth Robbie Moore said the October 2025 deadline was ‘a stretching target date’.
‘Following extensive engagement with industry, who will be responsible for delivering the DRS, and a review of international approaches to DRS implementation, additional time will be needed to efficiently and effectively roll out the schemes across the UK,’ he said.
‘With the agreement of ministerial colleagues across the devolved administrations, the DRS will go live in October 2027.’
The scheme will see a redeemable deposit placed on single-use drinks containers, which is refunded upon return of the empty container.
An estimated 60 schemes are due to be in operation worldwide by the end of 2024.
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