Return points

Two ways to take returns back — and one way to opt out

If you are not exempt, you must host a return point. There are two routes: staff take containers back over the counter, or a reverse vending machine does it. The economics are different enough that this is the single most important decision you will make.

Manual

Manual takeback point

Staff accept containers over the counter, check them, bag and tag them for collection, and issue the refund manually.

Handling fee: 3pper container, no threshold
Set-up cost: Lowbags, storage, signage, training

Simplest possible option — nothing to install
Works in stores with no power or floor space for equipment
Adds measurable time to every transaction that includes a return
Storage for bagged containers needs planning

Automatic

Reverse vending machine

The customer feeds containers in. The machine scans and validates each one, issues a redeemable deposit voucher automatically, and compacts the containers ready for collection.

Handling fee: 5pto 225,000/yr, then 1.3p
Set-up cost: Higherlease, install, power, servicing

Self-service returns, often available outside staffed hours
Compaction cuts storage and collection frequency
Far less staff time per return
£6,000 grant available per site for qualifying small independents

Side by side

The comparison, line by line

Everything that differs between the two routes, in one place.

Manual return point compared with a reverse vending machine
	Manual takeback	Reverse vending machine
Who handles the return	Staff at the counter	The customer, unsupervised
How the refund is issued	Manual, at the till	Automatic voucher, redeemed at checkout
Validation of containers	Staff check the barcode by eye	Machine scans and validates each item
Container handling	Checked, bagged, tagged and stored by staff	Machine compacts and stores ready for collection
Handling fee earned	3p per container	5p up to 225,000/yr, then 1.3p
Upfront cost	Minimal — bags, storage, signage	Lease or purchase, install, power, maintenance
Ongoing labour	Meaningful — every return is handled	Minimal — occasional top-ups and cleaning
Floor space needed	Storage area for bagged containers	Machine footprint plus access space
Customer experience	Queue at the counter	Self-service, available out of hours
Throughput ceiling	Limited by staffing	High, subject to machine capacity
Grant eligible	No	Yes — £6,000 per site for small independents

Deciding

How to choose

Choose manual takeback if…

You are small, low-volume, or expect modest daily returns
You have no suitable space or power for a machine
You want to test demand before committing to equipment
Staffing allows a container to be handled without slowing the till

Choose an RVM if…

You expect meaningful or growing return volumes
Return points are a core part of your customer proposition
You want to trade while returns continue outside staffed hours
You are a qualifying small independent and can access the £6,000 grant
Compaction means less storage space and fewer collections

Consider an exemption if…

You are an urban store under 100m² — you are exempt automatically
You are urban at 100–199m², or rural under 200m² — you can apply on size
A suitable return point is already close by
Listed status, site access or missing utilities make installation impracticable

Choosing a machine

Wait for accreditation, brief properly now

The first list of accredited reverse vending machines is published in October 2026. Until then you can still do most of the planning work, and you will be able to specify with confidence rather than buying on a salesman’s promise.

See RVM resources

Footprint. Measure the space properly, including the customer standing area in front of the machine and the access needed to empty it.
Throughput. Estimate daily returns from your drinks volume, then size the machine so it is not a bottleneck in peak periods.
Power and connectivity. Confirm the supply at the intended position. RVMs are electrical equipment and some need a data connection.
Service and collection. Understand who maintains the machine, how often collections happen, and where compacted material is stored pending collection.
Grant first. If you are a qualifying small independent, get the £6,000 grant application moving before you commit to a supplier.

Container validation applies either way

Only in-scope products carrying a DRS-compliant barcode registered with the scheme administrator are accepted for return. Products without a registered barcode are not accepted, and international barcodes may attract an additional charge on the standard producer fee. Make sure staff know this before launch — it is the most common cause of consumer dispute at a return point.

Manual return point

No threshold — flat rate

Staff accept containers over the counter and refund manually.

Automatic return point — Tier 1

Up to 225,000 containers per year

Highest rate, designed to get return points established.

1.3p

Automatic return point — Tier 2

Above 225,000 containers per year

Lower marginal rate once your fixed costs are covered.

Which one does your store need?

Put your floor area, expected daily returns and staffing into the calculator and get a modelled answer with the published fee rates.

Open the calculator Check exemption eligibility