Suez has been selected by UK deposit return scheme operator Exchange for Change to provide collection, transport and processing services for plastic and metal drinks containers across four regions of the country. The company has signed two 15-year contracts covering the North East, North West, South West and Midlands, the largest single-operator share awarded under the scheme, ahead of the scheme's launch on 1 October 2027.
Why this mattersTwo 15-year contracts give Suez the largest single share of UK deposit return logistics, with collection and processing networks to build before the October 2027 launch.
- Suez signed two 15-year contracts with UK deposit return scheme operator Exchange for Change
- Contracts cover four UK regions: North East, North West, South West and Midlands
- It is described as the largest single-operator share awarded under the scheme
- Suez has 12 months to deploy collection and processing infrastructure in the four regions
- The UK deposit return scheme is due to launch on 1 October 2027
- The scheme runs alongside UK extended producer responsibility reform and collection system changes
Exchange For Change, the industry-led body delivering the UK's deposit return scheme, has published its first list of reverse vending machines (RVMs) certified for the scheme, alongside artwork guidance for branding and signage. Each machine was tested against 77 requirements by an independent assessor. The scheme is due to launch on 1 October 2027, and intended producer fees are zero until December 2028.
Why this mattersCertification clarifies which RVM models retailers can safely procure, removing a key uncertainty for UK retailers planning deposit return infrastructure ahead of 2027.
- Exchange For Change has published its first list of reverse vending machines certified for the UK deposit return scheme.
- Each machine was tested against 77 separate requirements by an independent specialist assessment provider.
- The UK deposit return scheme is set to launch on 1 October 2027.
- Intended producer fees are zero from October 2027 to December 2028.
- From January 2029 producer fees are expected to rise to USD 0.008 (GBP 0.006) per unit for aluminium and steel containers and USD 0.031 (GBP 0.023) per unit for PET containers.
- A grant scheme is available to help eligible small independent retailers buy a reverse vending machine.
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
TOMRA has launched the TOMRA B3, a reverse vending machine occupying 0.45 square metres, in the UK ahead of the country's deposit return scheme. The machine accepts PET bottles and metal cans and is aimed at convenience retailers with limited floor space. Exchange for Change, the scheme operator, has said retailers using automated collection will receive a higher handling fee.
Why this mattersA smaller-footprint reverse vending machine lowers the barrier for small-format retailers to join automated DRS collection, widening the collection network ahead of the UK scheme's 2027 launch.
- TOMRA B3 occupies 0.45 square metres of floor space and is available on wheels.
- The UK deposit return scheme starts in October 2027 with a refundable deposit of USD 0.27 (GBP 0.20) on eligible plastic bottles and cans.
- The machine identifies containers using barcode recognition, weight detection and image-based recognition.
- Exchange for Change will pay retailers a handling fee per container collected, with a higher fee for automated collection.
- The machine is making its UK debut at the RWM resource and waste management expo in Birmingham this week.
- Exchange for Change has separately announced intended producer fees for the scheme.
