Exchange For Change has confirmed that producer fees for the UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will be set at 0p per container for the first 15 months of the scheme.
The DRS is due to launch in October 2027, with the zero fee applying from October 2027 to December 2028.
Based on current data, fees are expected to rise from January 2029 to 0.6p per aluminium and steel container and 2.3p per PET container, covering the period to December 2032.
It is understood the fees will be reviewed and reconfirmed in May 2027, with annual reviews to follow once the scheme launches. Exchange For Change said fees could be adjusted as further cost forecasts, contractual pricing and operational data become available.
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The organisation said the fee structure followed consultation with producers and retailers of all sizes across the drinks supply chain.
Exchange For Change chief executive Russell Davies said the 0p fee was intended to support businesses during the early stages of the scheme.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to ensuring that producer fees always remain as low as possible, while supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme,” he said.
The announcement follows confirmation of the 20p consumer deposit in April, alongside the Return Handling Fee, return point exemptions and grants for small independent retailers.
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