With the deadline a month away AVA is urging its members to submit their DRS responses to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) either online or in writing.
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is aiming to tackle plastic pollution and increase recycling rates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
AVA consists of 160 members who manage the 460,00 vending machines across the UK. Vending machines appear across the public sector in universities, hospitals and MOD sites.
David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA, said: “The aim of this new legislation is to improve material re-use, encourage recycling and help reduce littering which, of course, the AVA supports wholeheartedly.
“However, it is important to the AVA, that our members and those in the wider vending industry have their voices heard through this current consultation in order for what is introduced to be measured and practical.
“As with any legislation changes, the financial impact on our members can be huge so getting involved now to have their say on the future of the industry is absolutely vital.”
The DRS proposals, due for implementation in England, Wales and N. Ireland in 2024, suggest that where vending is the only source of ‘in scope drinks containers’, then a deposit return mechanism will not be mandatory.