The Deposit Return Scheme is set to be introduced in October 2027, but more than half of indies are not aware of it, according to new research conducted by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
The findings, from the ACS Voice of Local Shops Survey of 1100 independent and symbol group retailers, show that just over a quarter (27%) of those surveyed are aware of the scheme, but currently with no plan for how they’re going to be part of it; while only one in five have a plan for what they’re going to do when the scheme is introduced.
Of those who have a plan for their business, 12% said they plan to take back containers manually, 5% intend to invest in a reverse vending machine to manage returns, and 3% plan to seek an exemption from the scheme.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Deposit Return Schemes have been talked about for over a decade, with a lot of noise and false starts that have understandably left retailers exhausted by the concept, let alone the detail. We now have a firm timeline for the introduction of the scheme, so retailers need to start thinking about their plans for how they’re going to be part of the scheme when it’s introduced in October 2027, whether that be through hosting a reverse vending machine, taking back containers manually, or applying for an exemption. We are committed to working with the Deposit Management Organisation to ensure that convenience retailers are ready for the introduction of DRS across the UK.”
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, UK DMO Board Director representing Convenience Retail, said: “Convenience retailers will be essential in making DRS a success, providing local neighbourhood return points that will make returns easy for consumers and help us to cut waste and increase recycling. As a DMO, we truly recognise the unique challenges for convenience and that’s why we’ve been working really closely with the ACS and other convenience groups to ensure that their views and experience of the sector shape our work as we develop the scheme.
“These findings demonstrate the importance of helping convenience operators get the information they need to make informed decisions. As our work to build the scheme continues, we’ll be able to provide much more detail throughout the first half of 2026. This will include hosting a series of free webinars on how DRS will work, including one with ACS, as well as regular newsletters and specific updates for the convenience sector. We look forward to continuing our work with the ACS and other organisations to support the sector in preparing for the launch of the scheme in 2027.”
While full guidance on the scheme is still being finalised, the UK DMO is now looking to help convenience retailers begin planning for the launch of the scheme by outlining some key considerations and a timeline for when further information will be available.
ACS will be dedicating an entire session of its Safe and Responsible Retailing Conference in Birmingham to the latest on the Deposit Return Scheme in March.
