Your store needs a reverse vending machine for UK DRS. We've got you covered.

A reverse vending machine (RVM) is an automated machine that accepts empty PET plastic bottles and aluminium or steel cans, then returns the 20p deposit to the customer. Under the UK Deposit Return Scheme, a small deposit is added to the price of eligible drinks at the point of sale. When a customer returns the empty container to an RVM at a participating store, they get that 20p back instantly. The store earns a government-confirmed handling fee of up to 5p for every container processed.

The customer inserts their empty PET bottle or aluminium can. The machine scans the barcode and checks the weight to confirm it is a valid DRS container and that it is actually empty. It then compacts the container, which destroys the barcode — a built-in anti-fraud step that stops the same container being used twice. The customer immediately receives their 20p deposit back as cash, a printed voucher, or a digital credit. Retearn collects the compacted material, handles all scheme reporting to Exchange for Change, and your store receives the handling fee. Your staff are not involved at any point in the process.

Through the Retearn partnership model, we supply, install, and maintain the machine. Your store earns the DRS handling fee on every return processed and Retearn covers the machine throughout its lifecycle — your store will not receive an invoice for the machine, its installation, or its upkeep. For retailers who prefer to own a machine outright, the UK government has set aside funding of up to £6,000 for eligible small retailers through Exchange for Change, the appointed Deposit Management Organisation.

Stores earn up to 5p per container returned, adding thousands of pounds per year in government-backed handling fees. An automated reverse vending machine meets your DRS compliance obligation without staff involvement. Customers returning bottles tend to spend in-store, increasing basket spend. Retearn handles all maintenance, servicing, and compliance reporting, so there is no operational burden on your team.

October 1, 2027. All stores with annual revenues above certain thresholds must offer a return point by this date. Getting set up early means your store is earning from day one, not scrambling to comply at launch.

Retearn owns, installs, maintains, and replaces the machine. Your store earns the handling fee from the scheme and we cover everything to do with the machine. You will not receive any invoice from Retearn for the machine or its upkeep. We manage the full lifecycle so you never have to think about it.

It depends on your store type and daily customer volume. A typical convenience store processing 300 daily returns earns £2,500–£3,500 per year. Use the calculator above for your estimate, or book a free assessment for your exact number.

Retearn installs Reklaim reverse vending machines at retail locations across the UK, including convenience stores, petrol forecourts, supermarkets, and symbol group members. If you are searching for a reverse vending machine near you or want to find out whether your store qualifies for an installation, get in touch and we will confirm availability and next steps for your area.

The machine needs roughly 1.5m x 1.2m of floor space, though this varies by model. We assess your store during setup and help you find the best placement for customer flow and security as part of the installation process.

All maintenance is covered by Retearn. We monitor machines remotely, perform preventative maintenance, and resolve issues fast. Response time: 4 hours for critical issues. You do nothing.

Eligibility is determined by Exchange for Change, the UK's appointed Deposit Management Organisation. Small retailers with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for up to £6,000 toward a return point installation. Speak to our team and we can walk you through what we know about the process based on what we have seen work for other stores.