112. Why the UK Deposit Return Scheme is free for brands

Why might the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme be free for drinks brands for its first 15 months? We dig into the surprising finances behind DRS, from producer fees and the value of recycled material to the huge sums generated by unclaimed 20p deposits. Using Ireland’s scheme and the UK Government’s own forecasts, we ask who will really pay for DRS, why lower return rates can actually make the system more money, and whether there’s an uncomfortable tension at the heart of how the scheme is funded. ...