Timeline
Roughly a year to go
Launch is 1 October 2027. The decisions that matter most — exemption applications, RVM procurement, till system changes — need to land well before that, not in September 2027.
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Phase 1 — Regulations and appointment
Regulations put in place across the administrations and the scheme administrator appointed. This is the legal foundation everything else sits on.
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Phase 2 — Scheme build-out
Leadership appointed, key operational decisions designed and published, and the delivery plan for obligated businesses developed.
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Phase 3 — Roll out
The window in which you make your changes: decide on return point locations, procure and install RVMs, update labelling, invoicing and till systems, and begin consumer engagement.
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Launch
DRS operational across the UK. Deposits applied to in-scope containers and refunded at return points.
Every milestone
Full timeline
Regulatory milestones, scheme decisions, and the deadlines that matter for your business.
UK DMO appointed
UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd (trading as Exchange for Change) formally appointed as scheme administrator for England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
DoneDeposit Scheme Regulations in force
The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025 come into force, setting out the roles of retailers, producers and the scheme administrator.
DoneDeposit value confirmed at 20p
A flat 20p deposit is confirmed for all in-scope containers — a single level rather than material-specific rates.
DoneHandling fees and retailer support confirmed
The Return Handling Fee is published (3p manual; 5p then 1.3p automatic), exemption criteria are extended, and £60m of grant funding for small independents is announced.
DoneAppointed as DMO for Wales
Exchange for Change is appointed as the Deposit Management Organisation for Wales, completing the map of scheme administrators across all four nations.
DoneLogistics tender and detailed guidance
Collection logistics tender concludes and full operational detail is confirmed. This is your window to firm up site plans and equipment decisions.
First accredited RVMs published
The first list of accredited reverse vending machines is published, so you can specify equipment with confidence.
Next upExemption and grant applications open
Detailed criteria for exemption applications and grant eligibility are published. Register early — applications are approved on a first-reviewed basis.
Next upProducer fees reconfirmed
Producer fees — set at 0p for the first 15 months of the scheme — are reviewed, validated and reconfirmed. Useful for your category and pricing planning.
UpcomingGo-live build and staff training
Till systems, labelling, signage and in-store comms finalised. RVMs installed and commissioned. Staff trained on return point procedures.
UpcomingDRS launches
In-scope containers carrying the DRS logo and registered barcode go on sale. Deposits are charged at the point of sale and refunds paid at return points.
UpcomingProducer fees are 0p for the first 15 months of the scheme, but they are reviewed, validated and reconfirmed in May 2027 — five months before launch. If you are in negotiations with suppliers about 2027–28 trade terms, that is the date to watch.
Dates in this independent summary can shift. The authoritative schedule is maintained by Exchange for Change — check there before you commit spend or sign a supplier contract.
Work backwards from 1 October 2027
Every deadline above is a lead time. If you know your launch target, the calculator will tell you whether the numbers work before you commit to anything.