UK Deposit Return Scheme appoints five recycling partners

Exchange for Change has appointed five waste management and recycling companies to establish the collection and processing network for the UK's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), scheduled to launch in October 2027.

Under the new arrangement, SUEZ will manage the north east, north west, west central, and south west of England, while CIRQLR will cover the East Central, South, and South East regions. Bywaters will serve London, and Re-Gen will operate in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Re. Group will provide logistics and processing services in partnership with Hargreaves Services.

The scheme will implement a 20p deposit on single-use PET plastic, aluminium, and steel drinks containers ranging from 150ml to 3l. Consumers will receive the deposit back upon returning eligible containers to participating points. To support this, approximately 400 recycling vehicles are expected to be deployed across the UK.

Infrastructure development includes dedicated processing facilities in Scotland, Scunthorpe, and Guildford, with additional lines in the Isle of Dogs and Newry. Further purpose-built facilities in Ely, Knowsley, and Avonmouth are slated to become operational by October 2030.