UK deposit return scheme appoints Suez, Cirqlr, Re.Group, Bywaters and Re-Gen as logistics partners
Exchange for Change, administrator of the UK deposit return scheme, has selected Suez, Cirqlr, Re.Group (with Hargreaves Services), Bywaters and Re-Gen to run collection and processing across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The appointments underpin a network of six new purpose-built facilities and about 400 collection vehicles, targeting recovery of 90% of the 25 billion single-use drinks containers in scope when the scheme launches in October 2027.
Why this mattersFive named operators, six purpose-built plants and 400 vehicles set the cost base and the recycled PET and metal volumes converters can count on from October 2027.
- Suez, Cirqlr, Re.Group with Hargreaves Services, Bywaters and Re-Gen appointed as regional logistics and processing partners
- Six processing facilities, in Scotland, Scunthorpe, Guildford, Isle of Dogs, Newry and Avonmouth, operational from October 2027, with three more in Ely, Knowsley and Avonmouth from October 2030
- Around 400 new recycling vehicles and about 700 jobs expected to be created
- Scheme targets collection of 90% of an estimated 25 billion single-use containers a year
- A deposit of USD 0.26 (GBP 0.20) applies to single-use PET, aluminium and steel drinks containers of 150ml to 3L from October 2027
- Hargreaves Services was named preferred bidder on 1 October 2026 for collection, transport and transfer station services in Scotland and has still to finalise terms with Re.Group
- Regional allocation confirmed: Re-Gen covers Northern Ireland, Suez covers North-West, West Central and South West England, CIRQLR covers North East, East Central, South and South East England, Re.Group with Hargreaves Services covers Scotland, and Bywaters covers London
- More than 6.5 billion cans and bottles are wasted annually in the UK, against a 90% average container return rate in European countries that operate a deposit return scheme