DRS legislation

Did you know the UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will be launching on 1st October 2027.

This scheme requires retailers to charge a refundable deposit on eligible single-use drinks containers.

Consumers reclaim this deposit by returning the container to an authorised return point. The scheme is designed to increase recycling, reduce litter, and improve material quality. Regulatory obligations are set out by the UK Government, and the system will be delivered by the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), Exchange for Change.

What will the retailers responsibilities be?

1. Retailers must charge a deposit on all in-scope filled drinks containers.
2. Retailers must only sell products placed on the market by registered scheme producers and carry appropriate DRS labelling.
3. Retailers may be required to host a return point, accepting eligible returns and issuing refunds

How will consumers return their drinks containers?

1. Manual Returns (over-the-counter): Small retailers may accept containers manually either over-the-counter or via automated return units (also known as smart bins).
2. Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs): Larger stores may use automated machines capable of verifying and storing containers and issuing refunds.

What containers are included in the scheme?

Container sizes between 150 ml and 3 litres.

Exclusions include HDPE bottles such as milk containers, liquid medicines, and flavour-enhancing syrups or concentrates.

Who is Exchange for Change and what is their role?

Exchange for Change is the not-for-profit operator responsible for delivering the DRS infrastructure across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They will provide detailed operational guidance including return point requirements, labelling, and logistics.

How can you prepare for the DRS scheme?

1. Begin planning for potential return point installation (manual or RVM).
2. Review operational, spatial, and technological readiness.
3. Await detailed implementation guidance from Exchange for Change ahead of the 2027 launch.

You might be exempt from the scheme but you can be a voluntary return point and this is what you should be considering:

• Loss of handling fee income – the DMO will be paying a handling fee on all containers collected whether via an RVM or by the manual route.
• Loss of footfall from customers wanting convenient returns – in other markets small retailers have been seen to lose footfall if they do not have a return point but gain footfall if they do – there could be a 10-15% swing in footfall for your store by participating.
• Higher reliance on nearby retailers’ infrastructure.
• Possible perception of reduced customer service if no return point is offered as it will be expected by most consumers.

Did you know that Smiths News Recycle and CMB RVM Solutions have partnered to offer a smaller reverse vending machine (RVM) option ahead of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) being introduced?

Smiths News Recycle and CMB RVM Solutions – part of CarnaudMetalbox Engineering (CMbE) have announced a new partnership to help small retailers and convenience stores manage the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in a cost‑effective and practical way.

From October 2027, all retailers selling drinks containers in PET or aluminium cans will be required to operate a return point for DRS‑eligible items. For many small retailers, this presents a significant challenge: store space is already at a premium, and return volumes may not justify the investment in a traditional Reverse Vending Machine (RVM).

To support these retailers, Smiths News Recycle and CMB RVM Solutions have collaborated to develop a new smart bin solution, the CMB RVM Smart Lite. This self‑service return point allows customers to deposit bottles and cans independently, without taking store staff away from their day‑to‑day duties. Importantly, it offers a lower‑cost alternative to a full RVM while still providing a reliable and compliant way to participate in the DRS scheme.

If you are interested to know more about the CMB RVM Smart Lite, please fill in the form and a Smith News Recycle Team member will be in touch shortly to discuss this solution with you.