The Digital Side of DRS: Why Waste Businesses Should Be Paying Attention

Dan Pegram

Published: 21/07/2026

In This Article

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What the digital side of DRS actually involves
• Why it matters for waste businesses
• What has already been confirmed
• What is still unknown
• Five practical steps you can take now

Why Does the Digital Side of DRS Matter?

The waste industry is becoming increasingly data driven.

The Deposit Return Scheme is another example of that shift.

Every eligible container needs to be identified, every deposit validated and every return recorded accurately. That can only happen if information moves reliably between producers, retailers, return points, logistics providers and scheme operators.

For many organisations, DRS isn’t simply another environmental initiative. It’s another step towards a more connected and digitally enabled waste industry.

Key Takeaway: DRS is not just changing how containers are collected. It’s changing how information is managed throughout the recycling process.

What Has Been Confirmed So Far?

Exchange for Change has confirmed several important elements of the scheme, including:

• A flat 20p deposit on eligible drinks containers
• A national product registration system
• Barcode requirements for eligible products
• Reverse vending machine specifications
• A central Article List containing registered products
• Daily updates to reverse vending machines via an API

Producers will need to register existing in scope products by 9 July 2027, twelve weeks before the scheme launches on 1 October 2027.

What Hasn’t Been Confirmed Yet?

While we know an API will be used to distribute the Article List, many of the technical details have not yet been published.

These include:

• API endpoints
• Authentication methods
• Testing environments
• Error handling
• Third party software access
• Wider integrations with logistics, reporting and settlement systems

At this stage, businesses don’t need to begin building new systems. Instead, the priority should be understanding how DRS could affect your operations and monitoring future technical guidance.

Why Should Waste Businesses Care?

The digital side of DRS isn’t simply about technology. It’s about creating reliable information that supports the entire Deposit Return Scheme.

If your business collects, transports, processes or manages drinks containers, digital information is likely to become increasingly important.

That doesn’t necessarily mean every waste business will require a direct API connection.

However, businesses with well managed operational data, accurate reporting and connected systems are likely to find the transition far easier than those relying on disconnected spreadsheets or inconsistent information.

Good operational data has always been valuable. As the industry becomes more digital, it will become even more important.

Key Takeaway: Businesses that already prioritise accurate data and reporting are likely to be better prepared for future legislative changes.

DRS Isn’t the Only Digital Change Coming

The Deposit Return Scheme is just one part of a much wider transformation.

Alongside initiatives such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Digital Waste Tracking, the waste sector is becoming more transparent, more connected and increasingly reliant on accurate information.

Businesses that prepare now won’t simply be ready for DRS. They’ll be better positioned for the wider changes reshaping the industry.

Five Practical Steps You Can Take Today

1. Understand Your Role

Identify where your business fits within the DRS supply chain and how the scheme could affect your operations.

2. Review Your Data

Ensure your product, customer and operational information is accurate, consistent and well organised.

3. Speak to Your Software Provider

Ask how your current systems are preparing for future DRS requirements and whether any updates are planned.

4. Avoid Making Assumptions

Only make operational or technical changes based on confirmed guidance rather than speculation.

5. Keep Monitoring Updates

Further technical information is expected as the scheme develops. Staying informed will help you prepare without making unnecessary investments.

Key Takeaway: As the digital side of DRS continues to evolve, businesses that prepare early will be in a stronger position when the scheme launches.

Our View

The Deposit Return Scheme isn’t just changing how drinks containers are collected.

It’s another step towards a waste industry where good data is becoming just as important as good operations.

While the technical picture is still developing, businesses don’t need to wait before preparing. Understanding your role, improving your operational information and keeping up to date with legislative changes will put your organisation in a much stronger position when DRS goes live.

At Flame UK, we help businesses turn complex waste legislation into practical actions. Whether you’re preparing for DRS, Simpler Recycling, EPR or Digital Waste Tracking, our team can help you stay compliant, improve efficiency and prepare for what’s next.