With just 12 months until the UK’s deposit return scheme (DRS) goes live, the decisions retailers make now will shape how effectively deposit return works for their stores. Tomra, the global reverse vending machine (RVM) manufacturer, says the countdown is on and retailers now have an important window to turn their plans into practical next steps.
Scheme Details and Retailer Responsibilities
From 1 October 2027, consumers will pay a refundable deposit when buying eligible single-use drinks containers and receive it back when the empty containers are returned for recycling. Retailers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland selling drinks included in the scheme will have new responsibilities, including charging a refundable deposit on eligible drinks bottles and cans and operating return points unless an exemption applies.
Industry Advice on Preparation
“The businesses that act now will be best placed for a smooth transition when the scheme comes into effect,” says Sondre Henningsgård, managing director for Tomra Collection UK.
“This is an important opportunity for retailers to become deposit return ready. Over the next year, attention will increasingly turn to the practical aspects of implementation – staff training, customer communications, deciding on return point locations and establishing operational processes. Retailers don’t need to have every answer today, but having a clear plan in place will make the transition significantly easier.”
Henningsgård says it’s clear from recent discussions with retailers that many are developing their understanding of the DRS scheme and beginning to plan how it will work for their stores, operations and customers.
Key Considerations for Retailers
“Right now, stores of all sizes are weighing up the right solutions and balancing those with how to make best use of valuable space, estimating what sort of volume their returns will be, deciding between manual and automated take-back and looking at how they integrate these plans with their current operations.”
“Retailers need time to assess their options carefully and make the right long-term investment. With one year to go, now is the time to define what success looks like for their business and to start preparing for DRS.”
“Retailers should look beyond machine size and upfront price and consider the full operation, including capacity, reliability, customer experience and service support. A reverse vending machine will become part of everyday store operations for many years, so retailers are not simply choosing a machine, they are choosing the partner they will rely on to keep deposit return running.”
