The Distributor Take-back Scheme (DTS) is operated by Valpak Retail WEEE Services (VRWS) and allows members an exemption from the in store take back requirement of the WEEE regulations when a new equivalent piece of EEE is purchased. The DTS is the only scheme which allows members an alternative to offering take back for all WEEE categories (except for PV panels). There is a separate scheme which covers PV panels.

VRWS’s proposal to continue to coordinate DTS in Phase 5 was approved by both the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and by DEFRA. The current phase of the scheme started in January 2021 and the DTS website is now open for registrations.

Phase 5 Remaining Open For Registrations

Phase 5 of the scheme runs from 1st January 2020 until 31st December 2021. The funds raised in Phase 5 will continue to be used to support Local Authority projects with the aim to increase WEEE collections and there will be a process in place to monitor the benefits achieved throughout the phase.

Important Note: Phase 5 is no longer applicable to retailers that sell more than £100,000 worth of electrical items and have at least one physical store (Bands A & B). Band C members and larger online/distance seller only retailers are still members until 31st December 2021.