DRS handling fees confirmed

Exchange for Change has confirmed the handling fees that retailers and other return point operators will receive under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, providing greater certainty ahead of the scheme’s launch in October 2027.

As the UK’s official Deposit Management Organisation, Exchange for Change will oversee the not-for-profit scheme when it begins. Following industry consultation, manual return points will receive a handling fee of 3p per container. Automatic return points will be paid 5p per container for up to 225,000 eligible returns each year, falling to 1.3p per container above that threshold.

The Federation of Independent Retailers welcomed the announcement, saying the rates were broadly in line with expectations, although it would have preferred higher fees. The organisation also highlighted concerns about costs linked to labour, maintenance, equipment and lost retail space.

The DRS will carry a 20p deposit bottles and cans, paid out upon return of the container to a return point. A separate scheme is being developed for Wales.