Eriez Reports Rising UK Recycling Activity Ahead of Deposit Return Scheme Launch

Eriez reports rising activity among UK recycling operators as the industry prepares for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers on 1 October 2027.

Based on recent discussions with materials recycling facility (MRF) integrators and end users, Eriez has identified increased project planning and capital investment across the sector. Recycling organisations are developing new plastics recycling capabilities or expanding existing plastics recycling facilities (PRFs) to manage anticipated increases in single-use container volumes. Many operators are targeting full operational readiness well ahead of the DRS launch, aligning project timelines with key 2027 milestones.

The UK’s DRS will introduce a refundable deposit, expected to be approximately £0.20, on single-use drinks containers made from PET plastic, aluminium and steel, ranging from 150 millilitres to 3 litres. The programme aims to achieve collection rates of more than 90% through a network of return points, including reverse vending machines and retail locations across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

As operators plan for the scheme’s implementation, facility design is becoming increasingly important, particularly for material separation. Efficient recovery of aluminium and steel, along with the removal of ferrous contamination from plastic streams, will be essential to achieving the material purity required for downstream recycling processes.

Eriez supports these requirements with a range of separation technologies used across MRF and PRF systems. Eddy current separators recover nonferrous metals such as aluminium from mixed waste streams, while magnetic separation equipment removes ferrous metals and helps protect downstream processing equipment. These technologies improve material quality, reduce contamination, and support overall system efficiency.

“We are already seeing increased engagement from recycling operators as they begin planning for the operational requirements the DRS will introduce,” said Lloyd Williams, Eriez-Europe Sales Director. “Many organisations are expanding their capabilities or entering plastics recycling for the first time, with a clear focus on readiness ahead of the 2027 launch.”

Williams added, “Early consideration of material separation is critical. Decisions made today will directly affect long-term efficiency, recovery rates, and the ability to meet the scheme’s performance targets.”

Eriez continues to work with system integrators and end users during the planning and design stages of new and upgraded facilities. Early-stage collaboration helps operators evaluate separation technologies and incorporate optimised solutions before final system buildout.

For more information about Eriez recycling equipment, visit www.eriez.com/recycling.