DRS return handling fees confirmed ahead of 2027 launch

Exchange For Change has confirmed the return handling fees that will be paid to return point operators under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland when the scheme launches in October 2027.
Following consultation with industry stakeholders, manual return points will receive a handling fee of 3p per container returned.
For automated return points using reverse vending machines (RVMs), a tiered payment structure has been agreed. Operators will receive 5p per