Retailer Community.
Practical guidance, expert insights and useful resources to help retailers prepare for DRS and succeed.
Costs and revenue
How DRS Handling Fees Work
A handling fee is the payment made to retailers for accepting, storing and preparing drink containers for collection.
ReadGetting started
Deposit Return Schemes Explained
A Deposit Return Scheme, commonly known as DRS, is a recycling system designed to encourage more drink containers to be returned and recycled.
ReadTechnology
Manual vs Semi-Automated vs Automated Returns
Retailers can accept empty drink containers in different ways.
ReadDay to day operations
Bagging & Tagging Explained
Once drink containers have been returned, they need to be securely stored and prepared for collection.
ReadDay to day operations
Hygiene Challenges of Manual Returns
Empty does not always mean clean. Returned containers may still hold liquid, be sticky or arrive damaged, and handling them by hand brings that into contact with staff and surfaces.
ReadDay to day operations
Fraud Risks in Deposit Return Schemes
A Deposit Return Scheme gives every eligible container a monetary value.
ReadGetting started
Why Being a Return Point Matters
When Deposit Return Schemes launch, customers will need somewhere convenient to return their empty drink containers.
ReadGetting started
Understanding Return Point Exemptions
Not every retailer has to operate a return point. Some may be able to apply for an exemption, but it should never be assumed: criteria apply and approval is usually needed.
ReadGetting started
Preparing Your Store for DRS
A Deposit Return Scheme introduces a new process into the day-to-day operation of a retail store.
ReadCosts and revenue
How Much Revenue Could Your Store Earn?
Retailers operating return points may receive a handling fee for every eligible container they accept and process. What your store earns depends on the fee and the volumes you handle.
ReadTechnology
Choosing the Right Return Technology
There is no single return solution that is right for every retailer.
ReadDay to day operations
What Happens to Returned Containers?
Returning an empty drink container is only the beginning of its journey.
ReadCosts and revenue
The Hidden Cost of Manual Returns
At first glance, accepting containers manually may appear to be the simplest and least expensive way to operate a return point.
ReadDay to day operations
What Happens When the Counts Don't Match?
Every time an eligible container is accepted, a deposit refund may be issued to the customer.
ReadDay to day operations
How Much Space Will DRS Really Need?
The equipment footprint is only part of the answer. The space a return point really needs extends beyond the machine itself, and it is easy to underestimate before you plan for it.
ReadDay to day operations
Estimating Your Return Volumes
How many containers should you expect? The answer may not match the number of drinks you sell, because customers can return containers bought from other retailers.
ReadDay to day operations
The Customer Journey: What Happens at a Return Point?
For customers, returning empty drink containers should be simple.
ReadDay to day operations
Training Your Team for DRS
When DRS launches customers will have questions, and your team may be the first people they ask. Good training makes the experience smoother for staff and customers alike.
ReadTechnology
What Happens When Technology Goes Down?
Technology can make processing returns faster and easier, but, like any system, problems can occasionally occur.
ReadGetting started
DRS Myths vs Facts
Deposit Return Schemes introduce a new way of buying and returning drink containers.
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Retailer FAQ
Looking for a specific answer?
Short answers on deposits, handling fees, exemptions, storage and what the scheme asks of your store day to day.