Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): Exchange For Change (EFC) publish grant information for independent retailers

EFC have today provided information for independent retailers on the criteria and timings for grants to support the cost of installing a Reverse Vending Machine, ahead of the scheme launching in October 2027.

The £60million in grant funding will be allocated to 10,000 small return point operators over three phases. Grants of £6,000 will be made available per site to qualifying small, independent retailers in three annual payments of £2,000, which will be funded three months after launch / the installation of an RVM. Stores under 200sqm are eligible to apply (see attachment for details). Further information is also available: here.

EFC has also opened Phase 1 registration. Businesses that are required to register as a producer, return point operator, or both can now create an account and complete the first stage of registration through the Exchange For Change registration portal found here: Exchange for Change - Registration