With the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) set to launch on 1st October 2027, Exchange for Change, the organisation delivering the deposit return scheme, has announced the return handling fees that will be paid to return point operators.
The fees are designed to compensate retailers for the costs associated with operating return points, including equipment, storage space, staff training and handling returned containers.
How will the return handling fees (RHF) work?
The scheme will operate on a tiered basis across manual and automatic return points, covering both low and high-volume operators.
What are the return handling fees?
Manual return points: stores where customers return empty single-use drink containers over the counter will receive 3p per container.
Automatic return points: where an automated reverse vending machine is in operation, there is a tiered structure. Tier 1 is set at 5p per container for the first 225,000 in-scope returns annually, with it then falling to Tier 2, 1.3p per container, for any after that threshold.
Will the fees change?
The return handling fee will be reviewed in early 2027 before the scheme goes live and then reviewed annually using data collected during operation. This will include information from producers and retailers to ensure assumptions and inputs are refined over time.
What do I need to do as a retailer ahead of the Deposit Return Scheme going live?
Find out more about what you need to do as a retailer here.
We would encourage you to stay up to date with the latest on the Deposit Return Scheme by regularly visiting the Exchange for Change website or signing up to their newsletter. ACS has also published a comprehensive guide here.Â