LOCAL SHOP WINS FIGHT AGAINST WASTE FIRM

Betterretailing Resource

Your guide to finding the products and services you need for your business our say

Megan Humphrey, editor

There’s no hiding from the deposit return scheme

There was a lot for retailers to take note of last month when it came to the deposit return scheme (DRS).

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs announced it would be introducing the legislation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in October 2025

All the specific details of which can be found in the lead story on this page. However, what’s more pressing is that, for the first time, every retailer across the UK now has a deadline in deciding whether they want to take part in DRS, or not.

It’s by no means an easy decision. There is so much to consider, from whether you want to take back bottles automatically using a reverse vending machine, or manually, to considering the impact this might have on your store layout and every-day store processes.

WHATEVER YOU DECIDE, IT NEEDS TO WORK FOR YOU

I appreciate a lot of store owners will want to opt for an exemption, but I urge you to think about the consequences of doing so. If you aren’t willing to enable shoppers to return bottles to your shop, there’s a chance they will do so with your competitors, and pick up their shopping at the same time.

Whatever you decide, it needs to work for you. If you haven’t already, start speaking to trade bodies.

They will be really well-informed, and help guide your decision.