ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed government approval of the UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd (UK DMO) to deliver the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  

The UK DMO is a business-led, non-profit organisation which aims to deliver the administration of the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use plastic and metal drinks containers by October 2027.

The Deposit Management Organisation will have responsibility for delivering processes that will be fundamental to convenience retailers’ ability to collect containers and refund deposits in local communities. These responsibilities include: Co-ordinating the return-point network, setting the fees that retailers are reimbursed and collecting containers from stores.  

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “This is a major step towards the delivery of a Deposit Return Scheme for the UK. For the scheme to deliver a step change in recycling rates, local shops will need to play an integral part, offering a convenient network of return points both for local residents and people consuming drinks on the go.

“We are looking forward to working with the newly-formed Deposit Management Organisation to ensure that the scheme is operationally viable and attractive for retailers to take part in. With less than two-and-a-half years before launch, it is vital that retailers can make informed choices about how to take part in the scheme, and we are committed to providing the information and advice they need.”

You can find more information about the Deposit Management Organisation here: https://ukdmo.co.uk/

For any questions regarding the upcoming DRS regulations, please email [email protected]