Exchange for Change release material specification guidance for the UK Deposit Return Scheme

Exchange for Change have set out what in-scope drinks containers must look like to be accepted by reverse vending machines (RVMs) in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

The guidance applies to beverage containers that are in-scope of DRS. It specifies the materials that will be accepted by RVMs (PET, aluminium and steel), the size and volume of containers, labelling requirements and quality standards that containers must meet.

To prevent RVMs from getting blocked, the material specification guidance outlines standards for container stability and material thickness, which will be evaluated by compression tests.

Barcode and product registration requirements

The document goes on to flag the requirement for DRS containers to carry a scheme return code. The barcode will ensure that the product can be clearly identified in both RVMs and at Exchange for Change’s counting and sorting facilities. The guidance outlines barcode sizing requirements for optimal scanning, and placement requirements that producers need to follow.

Importantly, the document also describes product registration requirements for producers. The specification states that all producers must register their existing products with Exchange for Change no later than 12 weeks prior to DRS going live (by 9 July 2027). This will be done by the completion of a digital form which will be submitted via the Exchange for Change registration portal.

You can find full details of these updates and more in the material specification document, available to download here.

We recommend that all drinks container producers familiarise themselves with the guidance document now to understand which in-scope DRS beverage containers can be accepted by an RVM and what they are required to do in preparation for the introduction of DRS in October 2027.

Stay up-to-date with DRS developments

Ecosurety members can join us for an exclusive webinar on the UK DRS, where our policy experts will be joined by Exchange for Change to unpack the latest DRS updates for our members.

The session on 14 May 2026 will provide a clear update on the DRS and what it means for businesses. We will introduce Exchange for Change and present guidance and timelines for the coming year. The session will be followed by a live Q&A.

Ecosurety members will have received an invite by email. Any questions, please reach out to your Account Manager, or