Apply to manage the Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers
About the Deposit Return Scheme and how to apply to be a deposit management organisation.
Applies to England, Northern Ireland and Scotland
Applications are now open to become a deposit management organisation (DMO) for the Deposit Return Schemes in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Applications close on Monday 3 February 2025.Â
Who can apply
Your organisation must be an independent, not-for-profit, private body.
»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappre are 2 schemes â€� one across England and Northern Ireland, and one in Scotland. You can apply to manage one or both of the schemes.Â
If you apply to be the DMO for only one scheme, you must explain how this will work alongside the other scheme.Â
Role and responsibilities of the deposit management organisation
If you are successful, you will be selected as the DMO for the relevant Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). You will have obligations and powers under the relevant DRS regulations.
°Õ³ó±ðÌýDMO is responsible for:
- running the DRS, including management and oversight of the material and financial flows
- producing and publishing technical information for businesses to prepare for the DRS
- engaging with industry to ensure information about DRS is easy to access
- communicating the DRS with consumers
- creating an easy process for users of the�DRS to raise queries
- meeting the collection targets laid down in the legislation
How to apply
°ä´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¦³ÙÌýDRS@defra.gov.uk to request the application documents.
We will reply within 3 working days with:
- the application form
- a guidance document to help you complete the form
Return the completed application form to us by Monday 3 February 2025. We reserve the right to extend the time frame for applications.
Selection process
We intend to select the DMOs in April 2025.
Your application will be evaluated fairly based on its merits and your organisation’s suitability for appointment as the DMO. This includes how you will:
- meet your responsibilities under each of the regulations
- establish the scheme in the relevant nations
- operate a consistent scheme across the 3 nations as far as possible
We may request additional information from you, following an initial assessment of applications.
We will then score applications numerically based on a standardised scoring system. This allows comparability if we receive several applications.
We will use the score to support a recommendation to ministers about the DMO ²¹±è±è´Ç¾±²Ô³Ù³¾±ð²Ô³Ù.Ìý