Exchange for Change, the organisation delivering the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is launching ‘DRS 101‘ – a free introductory webinar series to help businesses prepare for the scheme’s introduction in October 2027.
The first series of webinars will run on nine dates throughout February and March, with more dates to be announced for the future sessions being held in 2026.
Each 45-minute webinar offers a high-level introduction to the scheme – what it is, who’s involved, and what the DRS means for businesses across the supply chain – with sessions designed to build awareness and give businesses the confidence to start planning. The webinars also offer a chance for industry to ask questions with a live Q&A.
Featuring speakers from the Exchange for Change team, the series will explain responsibilities facing drinks producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality outlets, helping attendees understand what action they may need to take ahead of the scheme coming into force.
Understanding how the DRS will operate is vital for businesses that place or sell drinks in PET plastic, steel and aluminium containers between 150ml and 3 litres. With just over 18 months to go to the DRS launch, Exchange for Change is prioritising early support to ensure relevant businesses understand what’s changing and have time to prepare.
Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change, said:
“The DRS 101 webinars are a key part of providing businesses with clear, accessible guidance to help them plan ahead. They are designed to support any organisation involved in the production, distribution or sale of drinks by explaining what’s changing, what’s expected of them and how to prepare.
“The webinars will also provide businesses with the opportunity to ask us questions about the DRS and provide feedback that can help inform how the scheme is developed.
“This is just one part of our wider engagement programme. We’re working closely with businesses of all sizes as well as trade associations and a broad range of stakeholders to help us ensure that deliver a scheme that works for everyone.”
Registration details
The 45 minute webinars with futher time for Q&A’s will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. They are free to attend and will run on the following dates:
10:30-11:45 Tuesday 17th February
09:30-10:45 Thursday 19th February
12.30-13:45 Monday 23rd February
14:30-15:45 Wednesday 25th February
12:30-13:45 Tuesday 3rd March
10:30-11:45 Thursday 5th March
10:30-11.45 Monday 9th March
09:30-10:45 Wednesday 11th March
10:30-11:45 Tuesday 17th March
13:30-14:45 Thursday 19th March
Anyone interested in attending can register for their chosen date and time via the Exchange for Change website.
A recording will also be available to download from the Exchange for Change website once all live sessions have concluded.
The DRS 101 webinars follow a series of kick off webinars hosted in partnership with several trade associations in January and February. Exchange for Change will continue to add webinars and support materials throughout 2026 and 2027 as the scheme develops.
