As the Government prepares for the launch of a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in October 2027, the changes will introduce a new permitted development right which will allow retailers to install RVMs without requiring full planning permission.
The move is intended to reduce administrative burdens on businesses and support the rapid deployment of return infrastructure ahead of the scheme’s introduction.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the introduction of the new permitted development right.
Chief Executive Ed Woodall commented: “These amendments demonstrate a welcome, common-sense approach to the introduction of the deposit return scheme which will save retailers significant time in not having to seek planning permission to install an RVM.”
The amendments will apply across England and Wales.
Requirements for reverse vending machines
Under the new Class CA provisions, RVMs can be installed within the curtilage of a shop, including both internal spaces and the immediate external vicinity of the premises.
The legislation also covers associated structures such as canopies or enclosures required for the operation of the machines.
While the new rules remove the need for planning permission in many cases, they impose strict conditions on the size, placement and location of RVMs.
The footprint is capped at 80 square metres, with a maximum height of 4 metres, while machines installed into shop walls must not protrude more than 2 metres.
Location is also restricted: units cannot be placed within 15 metres of neighbouring residential land or within 5 metres of, and facing, a highway.
Permitted development rights do not apply in sensitive locations, including:
- Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks)
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest
- Scheduled monuments
- The curtilage of listed buildings
‘Significant number of unanswered questions’
However, the ACS cautioned that key questions about DRS remain unsolved.
Woodall continued: “There are still a significant number of unanswered questions about DRS which retailers need clarity on as soon as possible.
“The fundamental question for retailers when looking at their options on DRS is to understand whether the scheme is going to be cost neutral, and we can only estimate this accurately when we have confirmation of the retail handling fee.
“We also need clarification on the frequency of collections and more detail on the IT infrastructure that is being built for the scheme, as it is the robustness of the logistics of the scheme that will ultimately determine its success or failure.”
Find out more about the policy and regulation updates, technology and infrastructure, and consumer engaging ahead of the introduction of the scheme at the Deposit Return Scheme Conference on 30 April 2026 in London.
