The UK’s first deposit return scheme (DRS), due to launch in October next year, will go under the name Exchange for Change.
The new name, revealed by The Grocer, comes as the industry accelerates preparations for a system due to go live in October 2027, a deadline that is fast becoming very real for retailers, producers and brands.
Russell Davies, chief executive of UK DMO (Deposit Management Organisation) said: “Our new name reflects what this scheme is about: making a simple change that has the power to transform streets, communities and recycling habits across the UK.
"The brand icon is intended to become synonymous with the scheme itself, providing a consistent visual cue that supports participation and helps drive cleaner streets and communities.
“We’re excited to take this next step and will keep working closely with partners across the UK, supporting them in preparing for the launch of the scheme and making sure that together we deliver real change and a scheme that works for everyone.”
At the heart of the initiative is UK DMO, the industry-led body tasked with designing, managing and operating the scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Once implemented, the DRS will introduce a small, refundable deposit on single-use drinks containers, typically plastic bottles and cans, which consumers reclaim when they return the empty packaging for recycling.
Under Exchange for Change, consumers will pay a deposit at the point of purchase and receive it back when the container is returned via a reverse vending machine (RVM) or approved manual return point.
The schemes aim to reduce litter, increase recycling rates and support a circular economy. A deposit level has not yet been set.
All parts of the UK are expected to start operating a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers from 1 October 2027.
UK consumers use around 14 billion plastic drinks bottles and nine billion cans annually. Research by the charity Keep Britain Tidy found that small plastic bottles and non-alcoholic cans make up 43 per cent of litter by volume (PDF). The UK Government expects DRSs to reduce litter and improve recycling.
Commenting on the announcement, Travis Way, Managing Director at EcoVend, the Reverse Vending Machine experts and brand by international circular economy specialists Reconomy, said, “Public engagement will be one of the defining factors in whether the UK’s deposit return scheme succeeds, so giving it a clear, consumer-friendly identity is a significant and welcome step.
"A scheme like DRS only works when consumers, producers and retailers are all aligned, and consistency in naming, branding and messaging will be critical to driving participation at scale.
“There’s no doubt DRS represents a major adjustment - behaviourally for consumers and operationally for producers and retailers - but a joined-up approach that prioritises clarity and simplicity will help make that transition smoother. The commercial opportunities are substantial, and the circular economy benefits are even greater.
“With the October 2027 deadline approaching, 2026 will be the key preparation year for businesses, giving them a narrow but vital window to get systems, infrastructure and communications in place ahead of launch.”