Resources
Go to the source for anything binding
This site is an independent summary and it is useful for understanding, not for compliance. Everything with legal or financial consequence lives with the scheme administrator and government sources.
Scheme documentation
Primary source documents
The published PDFs that define the mechanics — exemptions criteria and RVM specification.
Official scheme administrator site
Exchange for Change — authoritative source for all scheme documentation, RVM specifications, exemption criteria PDFs and registration.
Open document OfficialExchange for Change FAQs
The scheme administrator’s own question-and-answer pages covering general, consumer, producer, return point operator and hospitality questions.
Open document PDFExemptions criteria document
The published exemptions criteria, including the June 2026 extension for urban 100–199m² and rural sub-200m² stores.
Open document PDFRVM technical specification
Specification requirements for accredited reverse vending machines, useful when briefing suppliers on equipment.
Open documentWider reading
Guidance, government and research
Trade body guidance, official government publications and parliamentary research briefings.
ACS DRS Guide for convenience stores
The Association of Convenience Stores’ detailed operational guide for convenience retailers, covering return point design, collection and exemptions.
Open resource GovernmentGOV.UK: producer and retailer responsibilities
UK Government guidance on what drinks retailers, suppliers and producers need to do to prepare for implementation.
Open resource GovernmentHMRC: VAT provisions for DRS
The policy paper setting out the revised VAT accounting framework for deposits, effective from scheme commencement.
Open resource ResearchCommons Library briefing
UK Parliament’s research briefing on deposit return schemes — the regulatory background and scheme structure in detail.
Open resourceThe scheme is still being built. Fee structures, exemption criteria, RVM specifications and timelines have all changed within the last year and will change again before launch. Always confirm you have the current version rather than working from a saved copy.
Understanding the scheme, or working through it?
If you understand it, start with the obligations. If you are modelling a decision, start with the calculator.