Exchange for Change has announced a £60 million fund to help up to 10,000 small, independent retailers install reverse vending machines (RVMs) for the Deposit Return Scheme. For retailers planning their return point, this could contribute to the investment, subject to eligibility and allocation. [1]
How much funding is available
Qualifying retailers can receive £6,000, paid in three annual instalments of £2,000. The funding sits alongside the Return Handling Fee paid for eligible containers collected through the scheme. [1]
E4C places the first payment three months after scheme launch or RVM installation. Budget for the initial purchase and installation before grant support arrives. [2]
Who can qualify in the initial rounds
Applicants for the initial rural and urban allocations must meet every criterion below. [2]
Requirement | Initial eligibility |
Business | Independent groceries retailer, including eligible symbol-group or franchise stores |
Store count | Three or fewer |
Return point | Qualifies as a mandatory return point |
Sales area | Rural under 200 m²; urban 100–200 m², as stated by E4C |
Grant limit | One site per business |
Urban shops under 100 m² opting in voluntarily are excluded. Confirm directly with E4C if your urban store is exactly 200 m². [2]
How to measure your sales area
E4C defines retail selling space as the customer-accessible area used to browse and buy products. Stockrooms, offices, staff facilities and other back-of-house areas are excluded. For forecourts, only the area used to sell and display grocery products counts. [3]
When applications are expected to open
Applications are planned for January 2027: 4,000 rural grants and 4,000 urban grants. The intended window is three months, potentially closing early if fully allocated. Successful applicants will be asked for proof of order before launch. A further 2,000 targeted grants are planned for summer 2027, with separate criteria. [2]
Keeping the machine available
RVM availability must exceed 90% of premises opening hours. Falling below this threshold may mean no payment for that year. [2]
When comparing machines, discuss servicing, fault response and the practical tasks your staff will carry out. Make sure the arrangements suit your opening hours and the way your shop operates.
Choosing the right RVM for your shop
E4C advises retailers to consider machine footprint, available space and expected return volumes. Its published automated Return Handling Fee is 5p per eligible container for the first 225,000 returned annually, and 1.3p for returns above that level. These figures can help you assess the running costs alongside any grant support. [3]
Certified RVMs
Recyclever’s RVM5 800, 1000 and 1200 models appear in E4C’s certified supplier list. Certification confirms that the relevant machines meet E4C requirements; retailers should agree performance terms with their supplier. [4]
Contact Recyclever to discuss your available space, expected returns and installation plans, including whether you are considering an indoor or outdoor location. Confirm grant eligibility and the latest application arrangements directly with Exchange for Change before committing to a purchase.
Official Exchange for Change sources
[1] Exchange For Change Announces DRS Support for Retailers
[2] Grants Update — Allocation, timing and eligibility
[3] Exchange for Change FAQs — Retailer section
[4] Certified RVM Suppliers and Machine Families
Information checked on 4 November 2026. Eligibility, allocation and application arrangements remain subject to Exchange for Change’s published terms and updates.
RECYCLEVER is the
Exchange for Change
Certified Supplier
