Exchange for Change – the trading name of the UK Deposit Management Organisation, the not-for-profit body delivering the UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) – has launched a monthly survey to assess retailers’ readiness for the scheme ahead of its planned launch in October 2027.
The anonymous Retailer Readiness Survey will ask retailers how prepared they feel, what steps they are taking ahead of the scheme and where they need further information or advice.
Russell Davies, chief executive of Exchange for Change, said: “The Retailer Readiness Survey aims to connect Exchange For Change directly with store owners and managers, so we can hear first-hand how they are preparing for the introduction of the DRS, and understand what more we can do to help them get their stores and staff ready for the launch.
‘Fundamental role’
“Retailers will play a fundamental role in the success of the DRS, which is why it is important for us to gather as much input and feedback as we can to help prepare them for the rollout of the scheme.
“Our teams will be closely monitoring the results of the Retailer Readiness Survey each month, and we hope to receive the views and insights from a wide variety of retailers from all corners of the UK.”
In June, Exchange for Change announced £60 million in grant funding to help small and independent retailers meet the cost of installing reverse-vending machines.
It also announced extended exemption criteria, giving more retailers the opportunity to apply for an exemption from operating a return point.
Return Handling Fee
Exchange for Change also confirmed a tiered Return Handling Fee, which will be paid to retailers handling deposits to help cover costs associated with operating manual and automated return points.
Exchange for Change has also confirmed that producer fees for the DRS will be set at zero for the first 15 months after launch. Producers are, therefore, not expected to pay fees until December 2028, with current estimates putting the fee at 2.3p per PET container and 0.6p per aluminium or steel container from January 2029.
Earlier this year, Exchange for Change also began a DRS pilot at the Wimbledon Championships Qualifying Competition. The trial, involving Danone’s Evian brand and the All England Lawn Tennis Club, is testing reverse-vending machines in a live event setting ahead of the scheme’s national rollout.
