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UK Deposit Return Scheme · 1 October 2027

Know your obligations.
Choose the right equipment.
Be ready for October 2027.

The UK Deposit Return Scheme adds a mandatory 20p deposit to every eligible drink container. Every registered retailer must operate a return point from day one.

Registration opens Q3 2026 with Exchange for Change
Understand the scheme See our machines

In this guide

What is a Deposit Return Scheme? The 20p deposit explained What containers qualify? Your obligations as a retailer Choosing the right reverse vending machine Key dates and timeline

The UK sells 14 billion single-use drink containers every year. Fewer than 60% are recycled. DRS changes that.

14B
single-use drink containers sold in the UK annually
<60%
of plastic bottles currently recycled — the rest go to landfill
+40%
higher collection rates with DRS vs kerbside recycling
20p
deposit returned to every consumer who brings a container back
How it works

Four parties.
One closed loop.

DRS creates a complete financial circuit between everyone who makes, sells, buys and returns a drink container.

1
Producer
Adds the 20p deposit to every drink sold into the UK market. Pays deposits plus Extended Producer Responsibility charges to Exchange for Change.
2
Retailer
Sells drinks at deposit-inclusive prices. Operates a return point. Receives handling fees and deposit refunds per container returned to their point.
3
Consumer
Pays the 20p deposit at purchase. Returns the empty container to any approved return point. Gets 20p back instantly via RVM voucher or cash.
4
Administrator
Exchange for Change manages all financial flows, sets deposit amounts and handling fees, and oversees compliance across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
20p

Refundable on every eligible container.

Added to the price of every drink at point of sale. Returned in full when the empty container comes back to any approved return point.

🏭
Producer pays
20p per unit
🛍️
Consumer pays
20p at checkout
♻️
Container returned
via RVM or manual
💷
Consumer reclaims
20p instantly
🔄
Material recycled
closed-loop
Eligible containers

What the 20p applies to.

DRS covers single-use, sealed drink containers within a defined size range. Material type and nation determine whether a container is in scope.

150 ml – 3 litres  ·  eligible size range

Not in scope: cartons, pouches, multipack outer packaging, containers under 150 ml or over 3 litres.

🧴
PET Plastic
Single-use polyethylene terephthalate bottles
All UK nations
🥤
Aluminium Cans
Single-use aluminium drink cans
All UK nations
🫙
Steel Cans
Single-use steel drink cans
All UK nations
🍾
Glass Bottles
Zero-pence deposit 2027–2031, full deposit from Oct 2031
Wales only
UK nations

One scheme. Four nations.
One small difference.

Core rules are unified across the UK: same deposit, same launch date, same material types. Wales adds glass.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇬🇧
England, Scotland & N. Ireland
Administered by Exchange for Change
Launch1 October 2027
Deposit20p per container
PET PlasticIn scope
Aluminium & SteelIn scope
GlassNot included
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
Wales
Administered by Welsh DRS Administrator
Launch1 October 2027
Deposit20p per container
PET PlasticIn scope
Aluminium & SteelIn scope
GlassIncluded (zero deposit until Oct 2031)
Why compliant RVMs matter

Recognition technology that keeps the scheme clean.

🛡️
Fraud prevention
Compliant RVMs use real-time barcode recognition to verify that every container is genuinely in scope before a deposit is paid out. This prevents fraudulent returns and protects the financial integrity of the scheme.
♻️
Material integrity
By sorting and compacting at the point of return, compliant RVMs maintain recyclate quality. High-quality sorted PET and aluminium is what enables the closed-loop bottle-to-bottle and can-to-can circular economy DRS is designed to create.
For retailers

Your obligations as a retailer.

If you sell drinks in eligible containers, the scheme places clear requirements on your business from 1 October 2027.

1
Register with Exchange for Change
All retailers selling in-scope beverages must register before launch. Registration opens Q3 2026. Early registration is strongly recommended.
2
Operate an approved return point
You must run either a Reverse Vending Machine or a staffed manual return point. RVMs are the preferred method for accuracy, fraud prevention and operational efficiency.
3
Accept all eligible containers
Your return point must accept any in-scope container regardless of where it was originally purchased, during scheme operating hours.
4
Issue 20p to returning consumers
For each container accepted you must pay out the 20p deposit via voucher, card credit or cash. The administrator reimburses this in full plus a per-container handling fee.
Revenue
You earn on every return
Exchange for Change reimburses the full 20p deposit you pay out, plus a handling fee per container. Your net cost per return is zero.
20p
Deposit reimbursed
+ fee
Handling fee on top
Footfall
Return points drive repeat visits
International DRS data consistently shows that return points increase store visit frequency. Customers return to redeem and spend while they're there.
Compliance
Non-compliance carries penalties
Retailers who sell in-scope drinks but fail to register or operate a return point face enforcement action from Exchange for Change from day one.
Key dates

The run-up to October 2027.

The scheme has a firm launch date and a clear preparation window. Registration opens before the end of 2026, giving retailers time to install equipment and train staff well before containers carry deposits.

✓
Now · 2026
Deposit confirmed at 20p
Exchange for Change confirms the flat 20p deposit across all eligible container types.
Action: plan your RVM
Q3
Q3 2026
Registration opens
Producer and retailer registration with Exchange for Change opens. Declare your return point type: RVM or manual.
Action: register early
🚀
1 Oct 2027 · Launch
DRS goes live across the UK
Every eligible container carries the 20p deposit. All registered retailers must operate an approved return point from day one.
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
2027 – 2031
Wales glass transition
Glass in Wales carries a zero-pence deposit during a four-year transition. No labelling requirement during this period.
🌿
October 2031
Full scheme live
Wales glass transition ends. Full DRS applies to all eligible materials across every UK nation.
DRS-compliant RVMs

Choose the right machine for your business.

Both Reklaim machines use compliant recognition technology to verify every container in real time, prevent fraud, and integrate with Exchange for Change.

Reklaim Ace
Reklaim Ace
Compact. Smart. Right-sized for everyday retail.
Best for
  • Convenience stores and off-licences
  • Petrol forecourts and service stations
  • Cafes, pubs and hospitality venues
  • Small supermarkets and corner shops
100/min
Processing speed
7"
Touch display
NFC
Tap to claim
Explore Reklaim Ace
Reklaim Bulk
Reklaim Bulk
High-volume. Industrial grade. Built for the busiest sites.
Best for
  • Large supermarkets and hypermarkets
  • Transport hubs, airports and stations
  • Shopping centres and retail parks
  • Universities, campuses and office sites
200/min
Processing speed
2,500+
Capacity
3,000+
Returns/day
Explore Reklaim Bulk

Get DRS-ready

Registration opens Q3 2026.
Prepare before the rush.

Retailers who act early will be operational and earning handling fees from day one. Talk to us about the right machine for your location.

Exchange for Change registration opens Q3 2026
Explore Reklaim Ace Explore Reklaim Bulk
Get in touch

Prepare your store for DRS before October 2027.

Talk to the team about which machine fits your format, grant eligibility, and how to get operational from day one of the scheme.

No commitment neededTalk to us before making any decisions.
Response within 24 hoursA member of the UK team will follow up directly.
Talk to someone who knows DRSNot a sales script — a real conversation about your store.