Grant rules: who qualifies and when
Three rounds of machine grants: 4,000 rural, 4,000 urban, then 2,000 targeted. For independents with 3 or fewer shops.
Read on E4C (PDF)News & key dates
DRS key dates: what's happened and what's next
The dates that matter to a small shop, plus a short digest of Exchange for Change news. We check Exchange for Change's site every week. Last checked: 12 Oct 2026
In short: The UK deposit return scheme starts on 1 October 2027 in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Phase 1 registration opened on 29 September 2026, and Phase 2 opens in January 2027, when the first machine-grant rounds are also proposed to open. Exchange for Change will issue the notice exempt shops must display in early 2027 and review the handling fee before launch. In Wales, single-use glass is in the scheme but carries no deposit before October 2031.
Key dates
- 24 April 2026Flat 20p deposit confirmed. E4C
- June 2026Handling fees set (3p by hand; 5p then 1.3p by machine). Exemption rules published, and £60m in grants announced. E4C, E4C criteria, June 2026
- August 2026Exchange for Change appointed to run the scheme in Wales, so one administrator covers all four nations. E4C
- 29 September 2026Phase 1 registration opened for shops that must run a return point (or may apply for an exemption). E4C
- 30 September 2026Collection partners named; old-stock transition rules published. E4C
- 1 October 2026Grant eligibility and timing published. E4C (PDF)
- Early October 2026List of certified bottle-return machines due. Not confirmed as published when we checked. E4C newsletter, Aug 2026
- January 2027Phase 2 registration opens. First grant rounds (rural and urban) proposed to open, for about 3 months. E4C grants, p.3
- Early 2027Exchange for Change to issue the notice exempt shops must display. Handling fees reviewed before launch. E4C criteria, E4C fees
- To be announcedHow to apply for an exemption. Exchange for Change said "in the coming months" (Sep 2026). E4C
- Summer 2027Targeted grant round (G3) intended to open. E4C grants, p.3
- 1 October 2027
- April 2028Suggested (not required) date to have sold through pre-launch stock. E4C
- Every 36 monthsExemptions must be renewed (England and Northern Ireland); in Scotland they can be reviewed at any time. E4C criteria
- 30 September 2031Wales: until this date glass is in its scheme with a 0p deposit and no label. Welsh Government, E4C FAQ
Last checked: 12 Oct 2026
Delay watch: could the start date move?
On 19 August 2026, SIBA (the Society of Independent Brewers) asked ministers to delay the scheme for at least a year. SIBA The start date is still 1 October 2027, and Exchange for Change's news shows no change. Check the latest news before you spend money on equipment. Last checked: 12 Oct 2026
How we keep this up to date
Every week we compare Exchange for Change's whole website against a saved snapshot and review any new or changed pages and PDFs. Facts that change carry a "Last checked" date.
Latest from Exchange for Change
Our short summaries. Follow the links for the full articles on Exchange for Change's site.
Who will collect your empties
SUEZ, CIRQLR, Bywaters, Re.Group and Re-Gen appointed to collect and process containers, region by region.
Read on E4COld stock can still be sold after launch
Drinks filled before 1 October 2027 sit outside the scheme: no deposit, no logo. Sell-through suggested by April 2028.
Read on E4CRegistration is open
Phase 1 needs only basic details; Phase 2 follows in January 2027. Urban shops under 100 sq m don't need to register.
Read on E4CMonthly retailer readiness survey
A short anonymous survey for shop owners to say how ready they feel and what help they need.
Read on E4COne administrator for all four nations
Exchange for Change appointed in Wales. The certified machine list was expected in early October.
Read on E4CExemptions extended, £60m grants
Urban 100-199 sq m and rural under 200 sq m shops can apply on size; other grounds include proximity, heritage and utilities.
Read on E4CHandling fees confirmed
3p per container by hand; 5p by machine up to 225,000 a year, then 1.3p. Reviewed before launch and yearly.
Read on E4CFlat 20p deposit
The same 20p on every in-scope bottle and can, whatever the size.
Read on E4CMore: all Exchange for Change news, E4C resources. Summaries are ours; CheersEmpties isn't affiliated with Exchange for Change.
Common questions
When does the deposit return scheme start?
On 1 October 2027, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. From that day shops charge the deposit and take empties back. In August 2026 the brewers' body SIBA asked for a delay of at least a year, but Exchange for Change is still working to 1 October 2027.
Sources: E4C transition update, SIBA, All key dates
Is Scotland different?
The size thresholds are the same. "Urban" uses the Scottish Government's classification (classes 1 and 2), and an exemption can be reviewed at any time instead of lasting three years. SEPA is the regulator.
Sources: E4C exemption criteria
Does Northern Ireland follow the England rules?
Mostly, yes. England and Northern Ireland share one set of regulations, so the deposit, duties and three-year exemptions match. "Urban" uses NISRA's 2015 classification, and Re-Gen collects empties there.