Exchange For Change has confirmed a package of targeted support for retailers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland ahead of the October 2027 DRS launch. 

The support includes: 

  • The regulations allow for retailers in urban areas with a retail footprint of less than 100m² to be automatically exempted from operating a return point for DRS items. 
  • An extension of the exemption criteria, allowing for retailers with a sales area of between 100m² and 199m² in urban settings and rural retailers with less than 200m² of sales area to apply for a size-based exemption. 
  • Further exemption allowances have also been agreed on the basis of proximity, heritage or listed building restrictions, site access or lack of access to utilities.
  • £60m in grant funding available to help up to 10,000 small, independent retailers meet the cost of installing Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
  • Grants of £6000 will be made available per site to qualifying small, independent retailers in three annual payments of £2000, which will be funded three months after the installation of an RVM.

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Travis Way, managing director at RVM experts EcoVend, part of international circular economy specialists Reconomy, said: “With less than 18 months to go until the launch of the UK Deposit Return Scheme, Exchange For Change is clearly accelerating preparations and providing businesses with greater certainty on what the scheme will look like in practice.

“The decision to extend exemption criteria and provide financial support for smaller retailers is sensible. While many businesses are keen to play their part, the reality is that up-front costs, space constraints and cash flow considerations can present genuine challenges, particularly for independent retailers. Grant funding will help reduce those barriers and ensure smaller businesses are not disproportionately disadvantaged by the regulations.

“The expanded exemptions will be welcomed by businesses where the operational and financial costs of hosting a return point may outweigh the benefits. However, for the scheme to deliver its full benefits, it is important that as many retailers as possible are able to participate.

“For those firms that do not qualify for an exemption but are concerned about space limitations, the market is already responding with innovative solutions. Compact reverse vending machines, such as EcoVend’s 150X model, have been specifically designed for smaller retail environments and can fit through a standard doorway, helping retailers overcome one of the most commonly cited barriers to participation.

“Ultimately, the announcement is another sign that the UK’s DRS is quickly moving from policy design to practical delivery, and retailers should use this small window of time before launch to fully understand their options and prepare accordingly.”