Exchange for Change, the UK’s Deposit Return Management Organisation (UK DMO), has announced it is partnering with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Special Olympics Great Britain to trial deposit return scheme (DRS) accessibility at the National Summer Games in Birmingham from 27 to 30 August 2026.

Hundreds of athletes with intellectual disabilities, alongside thousands of spectators, volunteers and supporters, will have the opportunity to use Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and engage with DRS in a real-world setting. As part of the trial, Exchange for Change will be gathering direct feedback on how clearly the machines and instructions are understood, where barriers may exist and how the UK DMO and industry can work together to make the scheme as accessible and inclusive as possible.

The findings will help inform improvements ahead of the scheme launching in October 2027.