Drinks producers would pay no per-container producer fees for the first 15 months of the deposit return scheme under plans announced by Exchange for Change.
The proposed structure would set fees at 0p from the scheme’s launch in October 2027 until December 2028. Charges are then forecast at 0.6p per aluminium or steel container and 2.3p per PET plastic container between January 2029 and December 2032.
The rates remain subject to review, validation and reconfirmation in May 2027. They will also be reviewed annually after launch and could be adjusted as cost forecasts, contract prices and operational data become available.
Producer fees help cover the scheme’s operating costs. Exchange for Change said its proposed approach followed consultation with producers and retailers of different sizes.
Giving producers this additional breathing space should support a smoother implementation ahead of the October 2027 launch
Chief executive Russell Davies said the initial zero fee was intended “to support businesses in the early stages of the scheme”. The organisation said it aimed to keep charges low while maintaining the scheme’s long-term financial sustainability.
Consumers will pay a separate 20p deposit when buying an eligible drink, refunded when they return the empty container. The scheme covers drinks containers made wholly or mainly from PET plastic, aluminium or steel, with volumes between 150ml and three litres.
Travis Way, Managing Director at RVM experts EcoVend by Reconomy, the international circular economy specialist, said: “For this scheme to achieve its intended purpose of reducing litter and transforming recycling rates of single-use containers, strong collaboration across the industry is crucial.
“Giving producers this additional breathing space should support a smoother implementation ahead of the October 2027 launch and allow businesses to focus on putting the infrastructure and processes in place to encourage high levels of participation and deliver the return rates needed to support a more circular economy.”
