Fed welcomes “Exchange for Change” branding for UK Deposit Return Scheme

It has been confirmed that the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for Recycling scheme will be branded “Exchange for Change” when it goes live in October 2027. The scheme will allow shoppers who buy bottles to reclaim a 20p deposit for each bottle they recycle once the scheme is in place – and this is reflected in the logo, also confirmed this week, which depicts a plastic bottle turning to cash.

The Fed is a member of the Advisory Board of the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) which is the not-for-profit body which will deliver DRS next year.

Whilst the scheme is being prepared, the Fed is calling for DRS to be cost-neutral for small shops so they can fully participate and help drive the scheme’s success by maximising return of bottles for recycling, avoiding littering. In particular the Fed is calling for a fair Retail Handling Fee to be established – this is the fee that will be given to each item that is returned for recycling.

Meanwhile, the Fed is also calling on members to start making plans for the scheme, which could help independent shops maintain footfall.

The Fed’s National President Hetal Patel commented: “Independent shops like Fed members are crucial for ensuring DRS is a success and return rates for recycling from DRS are as high as they can be.

“This week’s announcement  is another encouraging milestone on the development of DRS and is a tangible reminder that the scheme is coming soon – and the Fed will be helping members prepare for DRS in the run up to October next year.”