Retailer frequently asked questions.

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is a government-backed recycling initiative launching across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027. Customers pay a 20p deposit when purchasing eligible drinks containers and receive the deposit back when they return the empty container for recycling.

The scheme covers eligible PET plastic, aluminium and steel drinks containers between 150ml and 3 litres.

Glass is currently not included within the England, Scotland and Northern Ireland scheme.

Yes.

Under the Deposit Return Scheme, customers can generally return eligible drinks containers to any participating return point, regardless of where they originally purchased them, provided the container is included within the scheme.

Every retailer selling drinks covered by DRS must register with Exchange for Change.

Whether you are required to operate a return point depends on your store type, size and whether you qualify for an exemption.

Retailers generally have three options:

• Operate a Manual Return Point
• Install a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM)
• Apply for an exemption (if eligible)

Each option has different operational requirements and handling fees.

A Manual Return Point allows staff to accept eligible containers directly from customers, verify them and refund the deposit.

Unlike reverse vending machines, containers are collected without automated processing and must remain suitable for further verification and collection.

Many retailers view becoming a return point as an opportunity to increase store visits.

Customers returning containers often make additional purchases during the same visit, helping retain local footfall while generating Retail Handling Fee income.

A Reverse Vending Machine automatically scans, verifies and compacts eligible containers before issuing a refund voucher or digital payment.

These systems are generally better suited to larger retailers handling higher return volumes.

Stores under 100m² of retail sales space in certain urban locations may qualify for an automatic exemption.

Other retailers may also apply for exemptions based on specific operational circumstances.

Yes.

Retailers who qualify for an exemption can still choose to become a voluntary return point if they wish to benefit from increased customer visits and Retail Handling Fees.

Yes.

Hospitality businesses selling eligible drinks containers may also be required, or may choose, to participate in the Deposit Return Scheme depending on how they sell beverages and the applicable scheme rules.

Businesses should check the latest guidance from Exchange for Change to understand their obligations.

If you choose to operate a traditional Manual Return Point without using a dedicated manual handling solution such as the TrovrQUBE, then yes. Returned containers are typically collected in plastic sacks or bags stored behind or near the checkout until they are collected by the scheme operator.

While this approach meets the basic requirements of the scheme, it can create operational challenges for retailers, particularly where space is limited.

The TrovrQUBE was specifically designed for independent retailers participating in Manual Handling. Instead of storing loose containers in bags behind the till, it securely scans, verifies and stores containers within an enclosed unit, helping create a cleaner, more organised and efficient return process.

No.

Containers accepted through a Manual Return Point should not be crushed or flattened before collection, as they must remain suitable for verification and processing within the Deposit Return Scheme.

The TrovrQUBE has been specifically designed to comply with this requirement. Every eligible container is scanned, verified and securely stored without crushing or compacting, ensuring it remains in the condition required for collection and processing by the scheme operator.

Traditional manual handling can create a number of hygiene and housekeeping challenges.

When containers are collected in plastic bags behind the counter, retailers often experience:

• Sticky containers leaking residual liquids.
• Unpleasant odours developing throughout the day.
• Sticky floors requiring regular cleaning.
• Attraction of flies and other pests, particularly during warmer months.
• Cross-contamination risks where food or hot drinks are prepared or served.
• Bags occupying valuable space behind the checkout.

For these reasons, retailers should regularly clean return areas, manage spills promptly and ensure returned containers are stored safely away from food preparation areas.

The TrovrQUBE was developed specifically to address these challenges. Its enclosed cabinet securely stores returned containers, helping reduce direct contact with waste, improve hygiene, minimise odours and create a cleaner working environment for staff.

Containers should be stored safely and securely away from food preparation and open food areas until collected.

Retailers should also consider available storage capacity, particularly during busy periods.

Yes.

Retailers may refuse containers where there is a reasonable excuse, such as damaged or unsuitable containers, although the detailed guidance is provided by Exchange for Change.

Higher return volumes may require additional storage, more frequent collections and efficient customer flow.

Purpose-built manual handling solutions such as the TrovrQUBE can help independent retailers process returns more quickly while reducing staff workload and queues.

Retailers should:

• Register with Exchange for Change
• Decide whether to operate manually or automatically
• Review available store space
• Train staff
• Plan container storage
• Update customer signage
• Select suitable return equipment

Early planning will make the transition much smoother.

Retailers should follow the guidance issued by Exchange for Change regarding return limits.

Some retailers may choose to implement reasonable operational procedures during exceptionally busy periods, provided these remain consistent with scheme requirements and customer expectations.

A container may be refused if it cannot be identified or verified as an eligible Deposit Return Scheme container.

Examples may include:

• Missing barcode.
• Barcode that cannot be read.
• Container that has been excessively damaged.
• Container that has already been refunded.

Always follow the latest guidance issued by Exchange for Change.

Retailers should monitor their available storage space and arrange collections when required.

Allowing returned containers to overflow into customer or staff areas may create health and safety risks and negatively affect the shopping experience.

Solutions such as the TrovrQUBE can help organise returned containers more efficiently while reducing clutter around the checkout.

Clear signage helps customers understand:

• Where to return containers.
• Which containers are eligible.
• How refunds are issued.
• Any operational instructions for using the return point.

Good signage also reduces staff questions and improves customer flow.

Retailers should maintain any records required under the Deposit Return Scheme, including information relating to returned containers where applicable.

Digital solutions such as the TrovrQUBE automatically record verified returns, helping reduce manual administration and improving traceability.

Busy periods can result in longer queues if staff are manually checking and counting containers.

Retailers can improve customer flow by:

• Clearly signposting the return point.
• Keeping the return area organised.
• Ensuring staff are trained.
• Scheduling collections before storage becomes full.
• Using digital manual handling solutions such as the TrovrQUBE to automate verification and reduce staff intervention.

While traditional Manual Handling is a recognised way of operating a Deposit Return Point, retailers commonly report challenges including:

• Bags of returned containers stored behind the till.
• Sticky and leaking containers.
• Unpleasant odours.
• Increased cleaning requirements.
• Cross-contamination concerns.
• Slower customer service.
• Manual counting errors.
• Reduced space behind the checkout.

The TrovrQUBE was specifically designed to address these challenges while supporting independent retailers operating Manual Return Points.

Retailers operating Manual Return Points will receive a Retail Handling Fee of 3p per eligible container returned.

This payment is designed to help compensate retailers for the costs of collecting and managing returned containers.

Exchange for Change has announced funding support for eligible independent retailers choosing to install Reverse Vending Machines.

Further details regarding eligibility and applications continue to be published through Exchange for Change.

Participating retailers receive a Retail Handling Fee for each eligible container successfully returned through their registered return point.

The payment process and frequency are managed by Exchange for Change as part of the Deposit Return Scheme.

Although both solutions support retailers participating in the UK's Deposit Return Scheme, they are designed for different types of stores and different operational needs.

A Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is a fully automated system that accepts, verifies and typically compacts returned containers. These machines are generally best suited to larger retailers processing high volumes of returns and often require a greater investment, more floor space and dedicated servicing.

The TrovrQUBE is not a Reverse Vending Machine.

Instead, it has been specifically designed to support independent retailers operating a Manual Return Point.

The TrovrQUBE digitises the manual handling process by automatically scanning and verifying eligible containers while securely storing them without crushing or compacting. This allows retailers to modernise traditional manual returns without changing the Manual Return Point model required by the scheme.

Compared with traditional bag collection behind the till, the TrovrQUBE helps retailers:

• Improve hygiene by storing containers inside a secure enclosed cabinet.
• Eliminate plastic bags filled with returned containers behind the checkout.
• Reduce staff handling of sticky or leaking containers.
• Minimise counting and recording errors through automatic verification.
• Improve the customer experience with a faster, more professional return process.
• Keep containers intact, ensuring they remain compliant with Deposit Return Scheme collection and processing requirements.
• Generate the same Manual Handling Fee while providing a cleaner and more efficient operation.

The TrovrQUBE has been specifically designed to support independent retailers participating in Manual Handling under the UK's Deposit Return Scheme.

Rather than relying on traditional over-the-counter bagging and manual counting, the TrovrQUBE digitises the manual return process by automatically scanning, verifying and recording returned containers before secure storage. This helps retailers reduce staff intervention, improve hygiene, minimise errors and provide a faster customer experience while remaining suitable for Manual Return Point operations.

The TrovrQUBE was developed specifically for independent retailers who want to participate in DRS without investing in a full Reverse Vending Machine.

It offers a smarter way to manage Manual Handling by:

• Automatically verifying returned containers
• Reducing staff time spent counting returns
• Improving hygiene compared with traditional bag collection
• Minimising return errors
• Keeping the checkout area cleaner and more organised
• Providing a professional customer experience
• Helping retailers maximise the benefits of operating a Manual Return Point

Yes. In addition to earning DRS Retail Handling Fees, TrovrQUBE owners can choose to join the Trovr Monetisation Programme, creating additional revenue opportunities through:

• Retail media advertising displayed across the Trovr network.
• Consumer insights and anonymised data programmes, where applicable and in compliance with relevant data protection laws.
• Brand partnerships and promotional campaigns run through the Trovr platform.

This allows participating retailers to unlock new income streams from their TrovrQUBE, helping maximise the return on their investment beyond the Deposit Return Scheme alone.