Unitas Wholesale has launched a practical new tool to help independent retailers understand what the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) could mean for their business and start preparing now, with just over a year to go until the scheme launches.
DRS will introduce significant operational changes for retailers when it launches on 1 October 2027. Retailers selling drinks in eligible PET plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans will be required to charge customers a deposit, while those operating as return points will also need to manage and verify returned containers, refund deposits, store containers and arrange collections.
DRS Calculator designed to cut through complexity
“There is no doubt that the Deposit Return Scheme presents significant challenges for independent retailers,” said John Kinney, chief executive, Unitas Wholesale. “We want to cut through the complexity and translate the scheme into clear, practical information. That is why we have created our DRS Calculator, to give retailers genuinely useful support and help them start making informed decisions about what DRS could mean for their individual business.”
The Unitas DRS Calculator is available through Plan for Profit, Unitas’ online retailer resource. Retailers can enter information about their business, including store type, size and average weekly sales, to build an indicative picture of the potential commercial and operational impact of DRS on their store.
The calculator estimates the potential number of containers that could be returned each week, models deposits flowing into and out of the business, estimates potential retailer handling fee income and helps retailers consider the storage requirements associated with either manual returns or a reverse vending machine.
Retailer awareness remains a challenge
“The calculator takes industry-wide information and turns it into something much more meaningful at individual store level,” said Kinney. “It allows retailers to test different scenarios, understand the potential volumes and financial implications and start thinking about the practical decisions they will need to make. There won’t be one solution that is right for every retailer, so understanding what DRS could mean for your own store is essential.”
The need for greater retailer awareness remains a significant challenge. Research published by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) in June 2026 found that 48% of convenience retailers had no awareness of DRS, despite the scheme being due to launch in October 2027.
“DRS will be one of the most significant operational changes independent retailers have faced in recent years,” said Kinney. “It will undoubtedly present challenges, but there will also be opportunities. Retailers that prepare early can consider how becoming a convenient destination for consumers returning containers could help protect, and potentially increase, footfall and sales.
“Our message to retailers is simple: don’t wait until October 2027. Start understanding what DRS could mean for your store now, consider your options and put a plan in place. Unitas will be supporting retailers throughout that journey.”
