The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has launched a new hub for retailers, designed as a one-stop destination for all things Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
It’s hoped the move will help to lower the figure the ACS provided - showing that currently 48% of convenience retailers have no awareness of the DRS at all.
In the UK, the scheme will come into force in October 2027, covering England, Scotland and Northern Ireland for PET plastic and metal drinks containers. Wales is still considering options, but intends to launch its own version of the scheme in October 2027 as well, including glass in some capacity.
The deposit will be a flat rate of 20p per container, with retail handling fees being determined by the number of containers that are returned and the type of return point being hosted. For manual return points, retailers will receive 3p per container returned.
For automatic return points, retailers will receive 5p for the first 225,000 containers annually, and the 1.3p for containers returned thereafter (within the same year).
Research conducted by ACS through the Voice of Local Shops Survey of more than 1,000 independent retailers shows that almost half of retailers (48%) have no awareness of DRS, but one third of retailers are actively consider whether to utilise a reverse vending machine or manual takeback.
Highlights of the new DRS hub include a wide range of resources for retailers including the latest version of ACS’ comprehensive DRS guide, which was updated in June 2026.
Retailers can also learn of the learnings gained from Vienna, where DRS has been in place for just over a year, as well as watching exclusive presentations detailing how retailers in Ireland have delivered the scheme.
ACS chief executive, Ed Woodall (left), said: “The introduction of the DRS will mark a major change in operations for thousands of stores, so it’s essential retailers have as much information as possible about the scheme to be able to make an informed decision.
“Our DRS Resources Hub is a fantastic starting point for those who want to get up to speed quickly and enhance their understanding of the how to operate a return point.”
“Throughout the next 18 months we will continue to update and upgrade our DRS Resources Hub, with videos, presentations, detailed FAQs and regular updates to our industry leading guidance.”
Ahead of the DRS coming into force in October 2027, every retailer in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will need to make a decision about how they interact with the scheme.
While some retailers will be exempted from the scheme, most are expected to provide a return point, either through an automatic reverse vending machine or via a manual takeback service in store.
The new resources can be viewed here.
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