Bywaters

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 0.27 (20p) applies to single-use PET, aluminium and steel drinks containers from October 2027
• Biffa's 2022 sole-logistics contract with Circularity Scotland collapsed; its subsequent claim of more than USD 66m (GBP 50m) against the Scottish government was dismissed in January 2026