Survey Finds 48% of Retailers Unaware of DRS
With the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to launch in October 2027, new research suggests a significant number of convenience retailers remain unprepared for the changes ahead.
According to the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), almost half of independent retailers surveyed have little or no awareness of the scheme, despite it being less than two years away.
The findings come from the latest Voice of Local Shops Survey, which gathered responses from more than 1,000 independent retailers across the UK.
Awareness Remains Surprisingly Low
The research found that 48% of retailers are currently unaware of the Deposit Return Scheme and how it will affect their day-to-day operations.
At the same time, many businesses have already started considering how they will participate once the scheme becomes operational. Around one third of retailers are currently assessing whether to introduce:
- A reverse vending machine
- A manual in-store takeback service
For many stores, the decision will have implications for available floor space, staffing requirements and customer experience.
ACS Launches New DRS Resource Hub
To help retailers prepare, the ACS has introduced a dedicated online resource hub bringing together guidance, operational advice and practical examples from markets where deposit return systems are already established.
The hub includes:
- An updated ACS Deposit Return Scheme guide
- Practical insights from Vienna’s first year of DRS operation
- Case studies and presentations from retailers in Ireland
- Frequently asked questions covering daily operations
- A glossary explaining key DRS terminology
The resource centre will continue to be expanded over the coming months with additional videos, presentations and updated guidance as implementation approaches.
October 2027 Deadline Approaches
The Deposit Return Scheme is scheduled to launch across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027.
Under the scheme, consumers will pay a 20p deposit when purchasing drinks sold in eligible PET plastic and metal containers. The deposit can then be reclaimed when empty containers are returned through approved collection points.
Retailers will need to decide whether they will operate a return point, unless they qualify for one of the exemptions recently announced by the scheme administrator.
For most businesses, participation will involve one of two options:
- Automated returns through a reverse vending machine
- Manual takeback of containers within the store
- Retailers Will Receive Handling Payments
Businesses providing return points will receive handling fees designed to support the cost of operating the service.
Current rates include:
- 3p per container for manual return points
- 5p per container for automated return points on the first 225,000 containers collected each year
- 1.3p per container for additional volumes collected above that threshold
While the financial return is unlikely to be the primary reason retailers participate, the payments are intended to offset some of the operational costs associated with running collection points.
Preparing for DRS
Although October 2027 may still seem some way off, the ACS believes retailers should begin familiarising themselves with the scheme now.
Store layout, collection methods, staffing requirements and customer interaction processes may all need consideration before implementation.
With awareness levels still below 60%, industry bodies are continuing efforts to ensure retailers have access to clear information well ahead of the launch date.
Commercial Waste Collection for Retailers
As retailers prepare for changes that could affect waste handling and recycling processes, having a reliable waste management partner remains essential. Affordable Waste Management provides commercial waste collection services for businesses across the UK, helping retailers manage their waste streams efficiently and stay focused on day-to-day operations.
Contact our team to discuss commercial waste collection solutions tailored to your business.