Planning

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Litter Survey

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

22 Jan 2026 at 15:26

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

22 Jan 2026 at 14:31

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), a central government public authority based in London, is in the planning stage of a procurement process for the "Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Litter Survey". This project falls under several industry categories, including research consultancy, feasibility study, and environmental monitoring services. As part of the procurement timeline, a supplier engagement event is scheduled for 6th February 2026, where suppliers can register their interest by 1pm on 5th February 2026. The survey is intended to run from July 2026 to July 2027, covering areas across the United Kingdom, with an estimated contract value of £200,000 inclusive of VAT. This project aims to assess litter composition in support of the upcoming DRS for drinks containers set to launch in October 2027.

This tender provides a significant opportunity for businesses focusing on environmental consultancy and research services, particularly those experienced in waste management, recycling industries, or environmental assessment studies. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may find this project particularly appealing due to its tailored suitability for smaller organisations. Engaging in this procurement process not only offers financial benefits but also positions bidders at the forefront of a pivotal environmental initiative in the UK, driving future recycling strategies and contributing to a sustainable circular economy. Businesses involved will gain valuable insights and visibility by collaborating with Defra on such an important national study.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Litter Survey

Notice Description

The UK Government is introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers, launching in October 2027. Under the scheme, consumers will pay a small, refundable deposit on single use PET and metal drinks containers, which is returned when the container is brought back to a return point. The aim is to reduce litter, increase recycling rates, and generate high quality recycled materials. The latest published policy statement from May 2025 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers-policy-statement/deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers-policy-statement?utm_source=copilot.com Defra is commissioning a national litter composition study for 2027 to update the 2020 study. This new evidence is needed to set a pre-launch baseline to evaluate the impact of the DRS and to support wider Circular Economy policy areas including plastics, vapes, litter, and packaging reforms. The study will provide a robust, statistically valid picture of what is being littered across England and Northern Ireland and in what quantities, forming the foundation for future policy assessment. he commissioned service will replicate the 2020 methodology while expanding the scope to include new item classifications - particularly detailed categorisation of DRS in scope and out-of-scope drinks containers by size and material, and additional categories for vapes, plastics, and other priority items. Suppliers will design and deliver a national fieldwork programme, collect and sort litter samples, and produce a full dataset and analytical report. Key outputs include national estimates of litter composition and specific breakdowns of DRS eligible container litter by count and volume, establishing a clear pre DRS baseline.

Planning Information

You are invited to participate in a supplier engagement event regarding our DRS Litter Survey requirement . We are keen to engage with the market, to understand supplier capabilities, and explore innovations that can drive efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. This is a key opportunity for suppliers to input into the requirement and the procurement process. The event will take place virtually via MS Teams on the 6th February 11:00am - 12noon. The contract is expected to run for one (1) year starting Summer 2026 to Summer 2027 Suppliers are asked to register their interest by completing https://forms.office.com/e/YRG2WL89ee This form should be completed and returned no later than 1pm on the 05/02/2026. If you have any questions prior to the event please email joyce.angoma@defra.gov.uk The engagement session will include the opportunity for questions to be raised and also for the Authority to get feedback from you about the requirement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060c5f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/005866-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services

CPV Codes

71241000 - Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis

73210000 - Research consultancy services

90711400 - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) services other than for construction

90711500 - Environmental monitoring other than for construction

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£166,700 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
23 Mar 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Jul 2026 - 5 Jul 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
joyce.angoma@defra.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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