Registration has opened for producers and retailers ahead of the launch of next year’s deposit return scheme.
With 12 months to go before the start date, Exchange For Change, the industry-led organisation in charge of the rollout, has opened a new portal that will require tens of thousands of companies to sign up to the scheme.
It said the beginning of registration was a “key milestone” on the road to DRS rollout, which would involve a huge move to readiness across the retail and manufacturing sector.
Available at registration.exchangeforchange.co.uk the portal represents phase one of the huge task of getting organisations to sign up to the scheme.
Under the regulations, retailers in urban areas with a retail space under 100 sq m will be automatically exempt from operating a return point and do not need to register unless they intend to offer a return point.
Earlier this year, Exchange For Change announced urban retailers between 100 sq m and 199 sq m of sales area and rural retailers under 200 sq m of sales area would be able to apply for an exemption.
However, those retailers are still required to complete the registration process, with further details about how to apply for an exemption to be published in the coming months.
Exchange For Change has also created supporting documentation, which can be found at exchangeforchange.co.uk.
It said the phase two registration would open in January next year when businesses will be asked to provide further information relevant to their role in the scheme.
“Opening our registration portal is another important milestone as we work with businesses across the drinks supply chain to prepare for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme in October 2027,” said Exchange For Change CEO Russell Davies.
“We are designing the scheme to be as clear and straightforward as possible. Phase one is a simple process that gives producers and retailers an opportunity to start registering now, by providing the core information we need before more detailed information that will be collected in phase two next year.
“We encourage businesses to complete phase one as soon as possible, and will continue to provide guidance and support throughout the registration process as preparations for scheme go-live progress.”
The opening of registration forms part of Exchange For Change’s wider programme of work to support businesses preparing for the DRS. Recent milestones include publication of material guidelines for drinks containers, confirmation of the producer fee structure, return handling fees, return point exemption processes and grant funding for small independent retailers.
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