Exchange for Change Newsletter #15 – September 2026

Welcome to the latest edition of the Exchange for Change newsletter.

September has been a month of real momentum as we continue to deliver programme milestones and move closer to the launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in October 2027.

Just some of these milestones include confirming the producer fee structure, opening the first phase of registration for producers and retailer return points, and today announcing the much-anticipated outcome of the collections tender.

Collaboration remains at the heart of that work. Throughout the month, we’ve been out across the UK engaging with retailers, vending operators, hospitality businesses, regulators and industry partners, listening, sharing practical guidance and helping businesses understand the steps they can take now to get ready for the DRS launch.

From major industry events to conversations with businesses on the ground, every engagement helps us build a scheme that works in practice. There’s plenty still to do, but with each milestone reached and each conversation had, we’re building the understanding, partnerships and momentum needed for October 2027.

 

Collection and processing network

A major part of the infrastructure needed to deliver DRS is now taking shape, with five waste management and recycling providers appointed to provide logistics and processing services across the UK.

SUEZ, CIRQLR, Re.Group, Bywaters and Re-Gen will together create a resilient and scalable network for collecting returned bottles and cans from return points and processing the material so it can be recycled into new drinks containers.

The agreements will unlock millions of pounds of investment in UK recycling infrastructure and are expected to create around 700 new jobs. Six new dedicated or shared-use processing facilities and lines will be operational from October 2027, with further purpose-built facilities planned from 2030.

Around 400 recycling vehicles are also expected to be mobilised to support collections across the UK. We look forward to sharing more as investment in the new assets, facilities and wider network moves ahead.

Read the full media announcement here.

Registration now open

The first phase of registration is now open for producers and retailer return points through the new Exchange for Change registration portal, marking a major step forward in helping businesses prepare for the scheme.

Businesses that need to register as a producer, return point operator, or both, can now create an account and provide the core information needed for the first stage of registration. This includes company and contact details, trading name and relevant business and mailing addresses.

The process is designed to be straightforward, with businesses able to save their progress and return to complete it later if needed. Once submitted, they will receive a registration reference number.

Retailers in urban areas with a retail space under 100m² are automatically exempt from operating a return point and do not need to register unless they intend to offer one. Other retailers that may be eligible for an exemption will still need to complete registration.

Phase 2 will open in January 2027, when further information relevant to each business’s role in the scheme will be required.

To register, and find supporting guidance, visit the Exchange for Change website.

 

Transition period update

We’ve published an update on transition arrangements for PET and metal drinks containers in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Finished products manufactured and filled before 1 October 2027 will remain outside the scope of DRS and can continue to be sold after launch.

We’re also discussing potential flexibility with regulators for pre-DRS packaging linked to orders placed before 1 October 2027. Any flexibility in this area remains subject to regulatory agreement.

Pre-DRS packaging that is not linked to an existing order will need to be made scheme compliant before it can be used for in-scope products.

We’ll continue to bring you further updates, including arrangements for Wales, on the DRS transition plan.

Read more here.

 

Stepped Producer Fees

Another important piece of the DRS puzzle is now in place. Following extensive consultation and engagement with industry, we’ve announced the producer fee structure, giving producers greater clarity as they plan and prepare for October 2027.

To support businesses through the early stages of the scheme, producer fees for all drinks containers will be set at 0p for the first 15 months, from launch in October 2027 through to December 2028. This approach is designed to minimise costs at the outset while the scheme gets up and running.

Based on current data, fees are then anticipated to be 0.6p per unit for aluminium and steel containers and 2.3p per unit for PET containers from January 2029 to December 2032. These figures will be reviewed, validated and reconfirmed in May 2027.

It’s another significant step forward, shaped through collaboration with industry and providing greater certainty for producers as we collectively build towards a successful launch.

 

Retailer Readiness Survey – a chance to win £250

Earlier this month, we launched our new monthly Retailer Readiness Survey, giving retailers across the UK an opportunity to tell us how prepared they feel for DRS, what steps they’re already taking and, importantly, where they need more information or support.

It’s anonymous and takes just a minute or two to complete, but your feedback can make a real difference. By taking part each month, you’ll help us track how retailer readiness is evolving and shape the communications, guidance and practical support we provide on the journey to October 2027.

As a thank you for sharing your views, you can choose to enter our monthly prize draw for the chance to win up to £250 in Amazon vouchers

You can contribute to the survey here.

 

Out and about

September has been another busy month of engagement with businesses and stakeholders across the UK, with the team taking part in events covering packaging, vending, hospitality and convenience retail.

 

London Packaging Week

At London Packaging Week, our Non-Executive Director Julian Hunt joined voices from across the value chain for a panel discussion on how ready the UK is for DRS and what still needs to happen before launch in 2027.

The conversation explored current levels of readiness, the critical gaps that still need to be addressed and what success could look like during the scheme’s first year.

 

AVA Live: On-the-Road

Our Head of External Affairs, David Gell, delivered a session at AVA Live: On-the-Road, helping businesses understand some of the practical steps they need to consider ahead of implementation.

The session covered how DRS will work across the supply chain, RVM testing and rollout, vending operator obligations and where to find the latest guidance and information.

 

Footprint Festival

At Footprint Festival, Julian Hunt joined representatives from across the hospitality sector to explore some of the practical questions businesses are already working through, including how the 20p deposit will be handled, what happens to containers once a drink has been consumed and how DRS collections will work alongside existing waste and recycling arrangements.

From restaurants and pubs to hotels and venues, the discussion considered how these issues could vary across different hospitality environments and what businesses can start doing now to prepare for launch.

 

Better Retailing Masterclass

We hosted a masterclass at the Better Retailing Festival, helping convenience retailers get to grips with what DRS means for their businesses and how to prepare for implementation.

The session focused on the practical information retailers need to prepare for DRS, from understanding the legislation and what they’ll need to do to comply, to how the scheme will work day-to-day.

We also explored return mechanisms, fees, grants and exemptions, the key milestones on the road to October 2027, and where retailers can find the latest guidance and support as preparations gather pace.

 

Coming up in October

We’ll continue our engagement across the sector in October, including at:

• RECOUP Plastics Resource and Recycling Conference
• UKHospitality Environmental Sustainability Seminar
• ACS Responsible Retailing Roundtable

If you’re attending any of these events, we look forward to seeing you there.

 

Join the Exchange for Change team

Building the right team remains a priority as we continue preparations for launch, and we currently have several roles available across Exchange for Change.

We’re recruiting for an Interim Marketing Manager to help plan and deliver campaigns across multiple audiences and channels, a Partner Performance Manager to work closely with our regional logistics and processing partners, a Strategy Manager to lead key strategic priorities and problem-solving, and a Corporate Social Media Manager to build industry awareness and engagement through our social channels.

Full job descriptions and application details are available on the careers section of our website.

We’re also recruiting three Senior External Affairs Managers across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who will help shape public affairs strategies and build engagement with government, industry and other key stakeholders in each nation.

 

Stay informed

Along with subscribing to this newsletter and following us on LinkedIn, the best way to stay informed is by regularly visiting the website www.exchangeforchange.co.uk, where we share all relevant scheme updates and information.

You’ll also be able to access our FAQs, which we recently updated based on the questions submitted as part of the inaugural webinar series.

If you have specific questions about the scheme, please email our helpdesk team enquiries@exchangeforchange.co.uk. They will do their best to assist.