A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) accessibility trial has launched at the Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) National Summer Games in Birmingham, testing reverse vending machine (RVM) usability and user messaging ahead of the UK's planned 2027 national rollout.
Taking place between 27 and 30 August at Alexander Stadium, the trial is designed to identify physical, cognitive, and communication barriers for people of all abilities, ensuring accessibility is integrated into the national recycling framework before implementation.
Trial Architecture and Accessibility Research
Delivered in partnership by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), scheme operator Exchange for Change, and Special Olympics GB, the pilot involves hundreds of athletes with intellectual disabilities alongside thousands of spectators, supporters, and volunteers interacting with RVMs in a real-world event environment.
Exchange for Change is conducting on-site research during the Games, gathering direct feedback from athletes, carers, and visitors. The study focuses on evaluating user comprehension of machine instructions, identifying physical interaction hurdles, and generating data to inform national accessibility guidance for the UK DRS infrastructure.
Hardware Integration and Charitable Donations
To support the trial and encourage participation across the four-day event, the partner organisations have implemented several operational components:
🤖 RVM Equipment Supply: Automated reverse vending machines provided by technology suppliers Recyclever and Sielaff to evaluate user hardware interaction.
🪙 Charitable Incentive Mechanics: CCEP is funding a 20p donation to Special Olympics GB for every eligible beverage container returned through the RVMs during the Games.
🎨 Athlete Led Consultation: On-screen instructions and machine artwork designed in consultation with Special Olympics GB athlete leaders to optimise visual clarity.
Regulatory Alignment and 2027 Rollout
The pilot builds upon ongoing research into reverse vending technology as beverage manufacturers, retailers, and trade stakeholders prepare for mandatory DRS implementation across the UK in 2027.
Jo Padwick, Senior Sustainability Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, stated that gathering direct feedback from diverse user groups in a high-density event environment is essential to refining machine usability prior to national deployment.
Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, added that involving athletes with intellectual disabilities as experts in system testing ensures accessibility is embedded into national infrastructure from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought.
Russell Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Exchange for Change, noted that real-world trial insights will directly inform future accessibility standards and operational guidelines for RVM deployments across UK communities.
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