The UK Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) is making significant strides in preparing for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This month has been marked by key appointments, expanded industry engagement, and accelerated operational planning—all aimed at ensuring the DRS delivers on its promise of a cleaner, more circular economy.
Strengthening Leadership for a Transformational Scheme
A major milestone for the DMO was the appointment of John Bason as Chair of the Board. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades as Finance Director at Associated British Foods and leadership roles at FareShare, Bunzl, United Biscuits, and Compass Group, John brings deep expertise in food, drink, and retail supply chains. His track record in driving growth and innovation in both the private and charitable sectors positions him well to guide the DMO through the complexities of implementing a nationwide DRS.
John Bason has emphasised the importance of building a scheme that is accessible for consumers, fair for retailers and producers of all sizes, and trusted by the public. He is committed to ensuring that a wide range of perspectives inform the development of the DRS, recognising that its success will depend on broad-based support and practical, user-friendly design.
Mary Creagh, Circular Economy Minister at DEFRA, welcomed John’s appointment and highlighted the DMO’s close collaboration with retailers, consumer groups, and drinks producers. She underscored the DRS’s potential to reduce litter, protect the environment, and stimulate green job creation and economic growth.
Expanding the Team and Building Expertise
The DMO continues to strengthen its leadership and operational capacity. Steph Ferreira has joined as Interim Senior Marketing Manager, bringing nearly 20 years of experience with global brands such as Johnnie Walker, Coca-Cola, Peugeot, and Hotpoint. Steph will lead the development of the DMO’s brand and consumer engagement strategy, ensuring the scheme resonates with the public and drives participation.
Recruitment is ongoing for several key roles, including Interim Retail Development Lead, Financial Controller, Interim Producer Development Lead, Helpdesk Lead, and Office Manager & Executive PA. The DMO is also seeking candidates for senior positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Independent Non-Executive Directors. Full job descriptions are available on the UK DMO website.
Deepening Stakeholder Engagement
Engagement with governments, regulators, and stakeholders across all three nations remains a top priority. The DMO recently participated in the UK Packaging Expo in Manchester, contributing to a panel discussion on DRS alongside sector leaders, retailers, producers, and supply chain partners. Upcoming meetings include discussions with Scotland’s Minister for Energy and the Environment, and participation in the Scottish Grocers Federation’s Cross-Party Group on Convenience Retail—ensuring that the perspectives of small and rural retailers are represented in decision-making.
Operational Planning and Consumer Engagement
The DMO is advancing operational planning at pace, working closely with DEFRA to finalise the framework for exemptions for Return Point Operators. This will provide much-needed clarity for smaller or more complex retail sites, with detailed guidance to be released soon.
In parallel, engagement with reverse vending machine suppliers has moved into the testing phase for hardware minimum specifications. The goal is to ensure that all equipment deployed is reliable, consistent, and user-friendly—key factors for a smooth and successful DRS rollout. Manufacturers interested in participating in these discussions are encouraged to contact the DMO directly.
Looking Ahead
With a strengthened leadership team, ongoing recruitment, and robust engagement across the sector, the UK DMO is laying the groundwork for a DRS that will transform the way drinks containers are managed, recycled, and valued in the UK. As operational plans take shape, the DMO remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and building a scheme that works for everyone—consumers, retailers, producers, and the environment alike.
For more information on leadership appointments, recruitment opportunities, and operational updates, visit the UK DMO website.