Special Olympics GB trial tests accessibility of future Deposit Return Scheme

A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) trial has taken place at the Special Olympics Great Britain National Summer Games in Birmingham to explore how accessible the UK's future scheme will be for people with different needs.

The trial was delivered by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), Exchange for Change and Special Olympics GB during the Games at Alexander Stadium from 27–30 August.

Athletes with intellectual disabilities, alongside spectators, volunteers and supporters, were given the opportunity to use Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and interact with messaging about the DRS in a real-world environment.

Exchange for Change gathered feedback from athletes, carers, supporters and visitors during the event. The research looked at how easily participants understood the machines, instructions and DRS messaging, as well as potential barriers and changes that could improve accessibility.

The findings are intended to identify opportunities to make the scheme more inclusive ahead of its planned UK launch in October 2027.

CCEP funded a 20p donation to Special Olympics GB for every eligible drinks container returned through the RVMs during the Games. The machines were supplied by Recyclever and Sielaff.

People with intellectual disabilities are too often overlooked when services and systems are designed, then expected to adapt to something that was never created with them in mind. This trial turns that approach on its head. Our athletes will be helping to test and shape a scheme that millions of people will use. That is inclusion in action: recognising people with intellectual disabilities not simply as participants, but as experts whose experiences and ideas can make things work better for everyone.

Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB.

Special Olympics GB athlete leaders were also consulted ahead of the trial to help shape its artwork and instructions. Those involved included badminton competitor and Athlete Leader Emily Clarke.

The initiative follows previous research into reverse vending technology by CCEP and Exchange for Change and forms part of the partnership's work around recycling accessibility.