Exchange For Change, the industry-led organisation delivering the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), has opened the first phase of registration for producers and retailer return points ahead of the scheme launching in October 2027.
Businesses that are required to register as a producer, return point operator, or both, can now create an account and complete Phase 1 registration through the new Exchange For Change registration portal, which you can access by visiting the Exchange For Change website, scrolling down the homepage and selecting ‘Register your business’.
Phase 1 is designed to establish the core business information needed for registration and should be completed as soon as possible. At this stage businesses only need to provide basic information including their company details, primary contact information, trading name and relevant business and mailing addresses.
Businesses are able to save their progress and return to complete their registration if required. Once submitted, businesses will receive a registration reference number on screen and by email.
Under the DRS regulations, retailers in urban areas with a retail space under 100m² are automatically exempt from operating a return point and therefore do not need to register unless they intend to offer a return point.
Earlier this year Exchange For Change announced that urban retailers between 100m² and 199m² of sales area and rural retailers under 200m² of sales area would be able apply for an exemption from offering a return point. These retailers are still required to complete the registration process, and further details about how to apply for an exemption will be published in the coming months.
