ACS hub tackles UK DRS knowledge gap among convenience retailers
Key takeaways
- ACS has launched a DRS resource hub to help UK convenience retailers prepare for the DRS, which is set to launch in October 2027.
- ACS research suggests many independent retailers are underprepared, with almost half unaware of the DRS.
- The hub includes guidance, FAQs, case studies from Vienna and Ireland, and details on deposits and handling fees.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has unveiled a resource hub for convenience retailers to help them prepare for the upcoming deposit return scheme (DRS) in the UK.
The UK’s DRS will launch in October 2027 across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, covering PET plastic and metal drinks containers. Wales plans to launch its options on DRS at the same time, after concerns over a lack of a harmonized approach.
However, according to research conducted by ACS through the Voice of Local Shops Survey, out of more than 1,000 independent retailers, almost half of the respondents have no awareness of the DRS, and only one third of retailers are actively considering whether to utilize a reverse vending machine or manual takeback.
Ed Woodall, chief executive at ACS, says: “The introduction of the DRS will mark a major change in operations for thousands of stores, so it’s essential that retailers have as much information as possible about the scheme to be able to make an informed decision. Our DRS Resources Hub is a fantastic starting point for those who want to get up to speed quickly and enhance their understanding of how to operate a return point.”
“Throughout the next 18 months, we will continue to update and upgrade our DRS Resources Hub, with videos, presentations, detailed FAQs, and regular updates to our industry-leading guidance.”
DRS guidance for retailers
The DRS hub provides various resources for retailers, including the latest version of ACS’ comprehensive DRS guide, updated in June 2026, and insights from Vienna, Austria,where a DRS has been in place for over a year.
It also features presentations on how retailers in Ireland have delivered the scheme, frequently asked questions on DRS operation, and a glossary of terms setting out the basics of the scheme.
The deposit will be a flat rate of £0.20 (US$0.27) per container, with retail handling fees determined by the number of containers that are returned and the type of return point being hosted.
For manual return points, retailers will receive £0.03 (US$0.04) per container returned. For automatic return points, retailers will receive £0.05 (US$0.07) for the first 225,000 containers annually, and £0.013 (US$0.017) for containers returned thereafter (within the same year).
Earlier this year, at Packaging Innovations 2026 in Birmingham, UK, Packaging Insights spoke to Alison Appleby, packaging sustainability specialist at Ecosurety, about why more information is needed to help manufacturers start preparing in earnest after the DRS announcement.
