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Exchange for Change, the industry-led organisation delivering the UK deposit return scheme, has announced a targeted support package for smaller shops ahead of its launch in October 2027.
The company expanded the size-based criteria to allow urban shops up to 199 square metres and rural stores up to 200 square metres to apply for exemptions.
The original regulations only granted automatic opt-outs to urban retailers with a footprint under 100 square metres.
The organisation will also provide £60m in grant funding to help up to 10,000 independent shops install reverse vending machines.
Qualifying businesses can access £6,000 per site, distributed in three annual payments of £2,000 starting three months after equipment installation.
The updates follow the creation of a tiered return handling fee designed to cover equipment, storage, and staff training costs.
Manual return sites will receive 3p per container, while automated hubs will receive 5p per container up to 225,000 items and 1.3p thereafter.
Russell Davies, chief executive, said: “Retailers will play a fundamental role in transforming how we increase recycling and reduce litter in every corner of the UK through the Deposit Return Scheme.
“This package of support has been developed following extensive consultation with industry and intended to help retailers of different sizes make the best choice for their business, whether that’s installing an RVM or applying for an exemption.
Davies added: “Together with the Return Handling Fee, the extension to exemptions and the provision of grants for small, independent retailers is another significant milestone in our work to deliver a scheme that is fair for business and accessible and easy to use for all consumers.”
