--- title: Are you ready for DRS? --- [![TOMRA](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/logo_white.svg)](https://collection.tomra.com/?hsLang=en) # Are you ready for the UK deposit return scheme? The deposit return scheme (DRS) for bottles and cans will launch on 1 October 2027. As a retailer, you’ll play a crucial role by operating a return point for consumers. TOMRA is here to help you prepare for the scheme, with our pioneering reverse vending machines for stores of all sizes. Using our 50+ years of global experience in deposit return schemes, we can help you select a solution that works for your store and your customers. ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/hero-img-employee.png?width=800&height=800&name=hero-img-employee.png) ## Ready to speak to a DRS consultant? Submit the form to receive a free DRS consultation. ## Why should you act now? ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/img-act-now.jpg) Give yourself time to understand the scheme and how it affects your store operations. Plan your reverse vending machine placement early, especially if space is limited or your layout is complex. Get expert guidance to choose the right machine, particularly if you manage multiple locations or have unique store formats. ## How will the scheme work? ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/icon-step-one.svg) ### 01 When you buy single-use bottles or cans that are part of the scheme, the deposit amount for each unit will be added to your invoice. ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/icon-step-two.svg) ### 02 You add the deposit to the sales price when you sell a drink to the consumer. ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/icon-step-three.svg) ### 03 When the consumer returns empty bottles or cans to your store, you refund the deposit to them. ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/icon-step-four.svg) ### 04 The scheme operator collects the returned cans and bottles from your store, refunding you for the deposits, and also paying you a handling fee per container. ## How do reverse vending machines work? ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/img-how.jpg) A reverse vending machine scans and collects empty drinks containers for recycling as part of a DRS. The machine verifies that the container returned by the consumer is part of the scheme, and then refunds the deposit. The refund can be issued via a receipt to be claimed in-store, by bank transfer or as a charity donation. (The exact details of the process will be confirmed nearer to the launch date in October 2027). ## Why invest in reverse vending technology? ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/img-why-invest.jpg) A reverse vending machine makes collecting bottles and cans faster, cleaner and more efficient for the shopper and the retailer. It reduces the time that store staff spend on counting and storing bottles and cans. Security is another key benefit – a reverse vending machine significantly reduces the possibility of fraud in the returns process. It also pays to create a great recycling experience for your shoppers. Research by TOMRA shows that 9/10 shoppers use their deposit refund to pay for groceries in-store. Recycling customers not only bring footfall to stores, but also revenue.1 ## 9/10 shoppers use their deposit refund to pay for groceries in-store Source: TOMRA Consumer Research, 2022 ## Why do so many retailers choose TOMRA? ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/choose-tomra-1.jpg) 50+ years’ DRS experience across 60+ markets ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/choose-tomra-2.jpg) Trusted by retailers worldwide with over 91,000 machines ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/choose-tomra-3.jpg) Durable machines with an average 10–15 year lifespan [Book your free DRS consultation](https://collection.tomra.com/drs-uk-retailers-ready#ConsultationForm) ## What can TOMRA offer your business? TOMRA helps retailers navigate DRS requirements with ease - ensuring smooth onboarding and dependable performance, minimising operational headaches from day one. With a complete range of cutting-edge reverse vending machines, digital tools and comprehensive service packages, we support retailers from planning, installing and successful long-term operation. Our reverse vending machines come in a variety of sizes, from compact units to large-scale systems - designed to meet the needs of every retailer. ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/img-retailer-help.jpg) ## Machines for retailers of all sizes For the full range of reverse vending machines, please speak to a consultant. ![TOMRA B3](https://25163569.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25163569/hubfs/TOMRA_B3-HighRes-01-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=TOMRA_B3-HighRes-01-1.jpg) TOMRA B3 ![TOMRA B5](https://25163569.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25163569/hubfs/TOMRA_B5-HighRes-01%20(1).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=TOMRA_B5-HighRes-01%20(1).jpg) TOMRA B5 ![TOMRA T70 Single](https://25163569.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25163569/hubfs/TOMRA_T70-Single-(HighRes)-01_LOGO.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=TOMRA_T70-Single-(HighRes)-01_LOGO.jpg) TOMRA T70 Single ![TOMRA T90](https://25163569.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25163569/hubfs/TOMRA_T90-(HighRes)-01_LOGO%20(1).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=TOMRA_T90-(HighRes)-01_LOGO%20(1).jpg) TOMRA T90 ![TOMRA S2 Rugged](https://25163569.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25163569/hubfs/TOMRA_S2-RuggedPlus_HighRes-No_Hood-LOGO_10.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=TOMRA_S2-RuggedPlus_HighRes-No_Hood-LOGO_10.jpg) TOMRA S2 Rugged ![TOMRA R2](https://25163569.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25163569/hubfs/R2_BlueWall_NoWallCover_SideViewRight_White.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=R2_BlueWall_NoWallCover_SideViewRight_White.png) TOMRA R2 ![TOMRA R1 and T9 with MultiPac Air](https://25163569.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25163569/hubfs/Multifeed-(HighRes)-17_LOGO-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Multifeed-(HighRes)-17_LOGO-1.jpg) TOMRA R1 and T9 with MultiPac Air ## What our retail customers are saying Our retailers confirm that recyclers are good for their business ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/quotes.png) > We chose TOMRA, our store is located on a busy boulevard with significant pedestrian traffic, and the machines collect over 4,000 containers daily—far more than we expected. It's the perfect solution for our needs. Paco Supermarkets | Romania ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/quotes.png) > People bring in their recyclables weekly and use the vouchers in store, which boosts our business. Murphy’s Costcutter Express | Ireland ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/quotes.png) > They are brilliant and easy to use, very easy for us to operate. When we got the machine we thought, finally something new has come to Ireland. Newcastle Service Station | Ireland ![](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/quotes.png) > We’re seeing more and more new customers and businesses coming here to recycle bigger volumes. I believe it’s because we are the only store in the area with such an efficient recycling solution. It doesn’t get any easier for customers, they love it! Coop Mega Lillehammer | Norway ## Frequently Asked Questions ## Do all retailers have to host a return point? The DRS legislation does include some exemptions. For example, a store is exempt if they have a retail space of less than 100 sq m, although these stores can still apply to host a voluntary return point. Retailers could also apply for an exemption if they are close to another return point or due to their store layout, design, size or location. The UK Deposit Management Organisation (DMO), will publish more guidance on this in due course. ## How do I know if I need a reverse vending machine in my store(s)? A reverse vending machine makes collecting bottles and cans faster, cleaner and more efficient for the shopper and the retailer. It also reduces the time that store staff spend on counting and storing bottles and cans. A TOMRA DRS consultant can help you decide which solution is best for your business, based on your unique store and shopper needs. Simply get in touch here for expert advice. ## I am a large retailer and have a number of stores of different formats, when do I need to start preparing? For retailers with multiple outlets, we recommend preparing early to find the right solutions for your store estate. Contact TOMRA here for a suggested timeline for your business. ## How much does a reverse vending machine cost? TOMRA has a range of reverse vending machines at different sizes and price points. Contact our team here for more information. ## I have very limited space in my store, but I’d still like to have a reverse vending machine. What options do I have? Even stores with limited space can enjoy the benefits of a reverse vending machine. For example, at only 0.8 sqm, the TOMRA B5 is designed for smaller spaces. ![Tomra](https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/uk-retailer-landing/images/TOMRA-Logo-White.svg) ###### TOMRA Collection UK 167-169 Great Portland Street 5th Floor W1W 5PF London, England United Kingdom [Privacy policy](https://www.tomra.com/en-gb/legal/privacy-policy)   [Cookie policy](https://www.tomra.com/en-gb/legal/cookie-policy) © 2025 TOMRA Systems ASA ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "caption" : { "@type" : "MediaObject", "contentUrl" : "https://collection.tomra.com/media-transcripts/295305369804/en.vtt", "inLanguage" : "en", "name" : "en Captions" }, "contentUrl" : "https://25163569.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/25163569/BenefitsOfAutomatedDRS_1920x1080_ENGsubs_UnlimitedUsage.mp4", "dateModified" : "2026-06-25T08:36:44.879Z", "duration" : "PT1M5.062S", "height" : 1080, "name" : "Benefits of automation with reverse vending machines", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://collection.tomra.com/hubfs/BenefitsOfAutomatedDRS_1920x1080_ENGsubs_UnlimitedUsage.mp4/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2025-11-03T10:09:49.121Z", "width" : 1920 } ```