# UK and Ireland deposit return scheme implementation

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-and-ireland-deposit-return-scheme-implementation
> Updated: 2026-10-29T13:53:18.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Deposit return schemes (DRS) for beverage containers are undergoing development and technological expansion in the UK and Ireland. In Scotland, a new scheme is scheduled to launch on 1 October 2027, with retailers expected to manage 20p deposits and utilize reverse vending machines (RVMs). To support this, the operator Exchange for Change (EfC) provides handling fees and grants of up to £6,000 per site for independent retailers.

In Ireland, the Re-turn scheme is addressing high demand by expanding the use of bulk reverse vending machines, which allow users to process up to 100 containers at once. Since the scheme began in February 2024, 61 million containers have been processed via these bulk machines.

As preparations for the 2027 Scottish launch continue, EfC has released an initial list of certified RVMs from seven manufacturers. These machines have been assessed against 77 requirements, including fraud prevention and accessibility. EfC has also issued RVM Artwork Guidance to maintain consistent branding and consumer instructions.

## Claims

- Exchange for Change published the first list of certified reverse vending machines. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Deposit Return Scheme is scheduled to launch on October 1, 2027. (reported by 3 sources)
- Certification includes assessing fraud prevention and secure handling of transaction data. (reported by 3 sources)
- EfC published RVM Artwork Guidance for consistent branding and consumer instructions. (reported by 2 sources)
- Seven manufacturers are included in the initial certified RVM list. (reported by 1 source)
- Certification covers 77 separate requirements. (reported by 1 source)
- Retailers may be eligible for a £6,000 grant when purchasing a machine from the list. (reported by 1 source)
- Grants are available for up to 10,000 qualifying sites. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Exchange for Change releases certified RVM list for 2027 deposit scheme

Exchange for Change has released the first list of certified reverse vending machines to prepare retailers for the UK's October 2027 Deposit Return Scheme.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exchange-for-change-releases-certified-rvm-list-for-2027-deposit-scheme

### 2026-10-13: Deposit return schemes expand with new technology in UK and Ireland

Deposit return schemes are expanding in the UK and Ireland, with Scotland preparing for a 2027 launch and Ireland rolling out bulk recycling machines to handle high consumer demand.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deposit-return-schemes-expand-with-new-technology-in-uk-and-ireland

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Cite as: UK and Ireland deposit return scheme implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-and-ireland-deposit-return-scheme-implementation