Newsletter #12 – May 2026

Welcome to the latest edition of the Exchange for Change newsletter 

This month we’ve continued to engage with producers, retailers and stakeholders across the sector, sharing updates on progress and listening to feedback on the practicalities of preparing for go-live in October 2027. 

We remain focused on building a scheme that works effectively for businesses, consumers and communities across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland which will create a significant and long-lasting shift in recycling. 

Vacancies 

As we continue to scale the organisation ahead of launch, we’re recruiting across several key roles to support scheme delivery. 

We’re recruiting for a Sustainability Manager to measure, maximise and communicate the scheme’s positive environmental outcomes. This role will own the ESG performance framework, track material recovery and return rates, monitor the operational carbon footprint, and ensure the scheme can credibly demonstrate its contribution to the circular economy and national recycling targets. Environmental improvement is at the heart of the UK DRS, and this role will be central to delivering that mission. 

We’re also recruiting for a Finance Manager to shape the financial and governance infrastructure of the organisation. This role will manage the relationship with our external accounting provider, lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, strengthen financial controls and governance frameworks, and support statutory compliance and audit activities. The Finance Manager will also project manage the process of bringing finance operations in-house at the appropriate time. 

For more information, please contact: enquiries@exchangeforchange.co.uk 

Out and about 

We were delighted to speak at two key forums this month, the first of which was the UK Soft Drinks Conference where our CEO Russell Davies highlighted the opportunities the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme represents, our progress in preparing for implementation and the key milestones ahead.  

He shared compelling evidence from countries already operating a DRS including the significant reductions in litter often seen within the first year of launch. 

Russell reinforced just how important partnership will be as we work towards the October 2027 go-live date. Producers, retailers, wholesalers, hospitality and the wider supply chain all have a role to play in delivering a system that works for consumers, businesses and the environment alike. 

We also hosted a webinar with Ecosurety where we: 

• Informed attendees about what the scheme means for producers, retailers and consumers across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland  

• Shared key policy and implementation updates 

• Explored operational considerations for industry, the role DRS can play in increasing recycling and reducing litter, and why collaboration across the value chain will be critical to success.  

It was great to see strong engagement from across the sector, and we look forward to continuing the conversation over the coming months. 

 

Wales Update 

As many of our readers will be aware, for several months now we have been involved in providing submissions to the Welsh Government to apply to be appointed the Deposit Management Organisation in Wales. The deadline for the latest round of applications closes on Tuesday 2nd June, and Exchange For Change will be re-applying following the recent rejection of our application. 

We are committed to a DRS that is not just interoperable throughout the UK, but that is also simple to use and effective, which is why we believe that a single DMO is the best option to avoid extra cost, administration and operational burdens for both industry and consumers. We also wish to thank the many organisations that have supported our application, and look forward to providing you with an update soon. 

Where we’ll be in June 

We will be continuing our engagement across the sector in June, including sharing further updates on exemptions and grants, the return handling fee (RHF), and speaking slots at the Scottish Grocers Federation Mini Summit and the NFRN Conference. We look forward to seeing many of you there. 

Keeping in touch 

Please continue to visit our website at www.exchangeforchange.co.uk and follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on our work.