Wales withdrew from the UK-wide DRS process in November 2024, partially due to the exclusion of glass. The Welsh Government has now committed to implementing its own scheme.
Following an eight-month consultation with industry stakeholders, deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, announced that the Welsh Government will expedite the timeline for its DRS. This move aims to ensure alignment with the launch of the UK-wide scheme in October 2027.
Under this DRS, customers will pay a refundable deposit on select single-use drink containers, effectively encouraging recycling.
Irranca-Davies emphasized the importance of this decision, stating it avoids the potential scenario where a UK scheme launches without an equivalent in Wales, which he characterized as
“the greatest risk of operational complexity and associated costs” for businesses.
He also confirmed that the Welsh scheme would incorporate glass along with materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, steel, and aluminium.
“Glass remains in scope of our scheme, as this means that in Wales, we will be able to begin to roll out reuse as a core part of the scheme,” Irranca-Davies stated.
“It also allows us to enhance glass recycling by improving on-the-go collection and tackling litter in all forms of drink containers.”
The minister also noted the need for clear arrangements to prevent unintended consequences from introducing a system differing from the rest of the UK.
“We will continue collaborating closely with industry and local authorities to ensure our scheme is simple, scalable, and fair, supporting businesses to capitalize on reduced material costs and ensuring nobody is left behind,” he elaborated.
“In this context, we are mindful of broader issues affecting the sector, particularly for SMEs, and are working to implement sensible solutions, including exclusions for low-volume products.”
In response to the announcement, Travis Way, managing director at circular economy specialist EcoVend, remarked: “It’s great to see clarity from the Welsh Government about their commitment to a deposit return scheme in sync with the wider UK timeline of October 2027. This clarification provides vital guidance for drinks manufacturers, retailers, and the broader waste sector as they prepare for implementation.”
“We also appreciate the decision to retain glass in the scheme and eagerly anticipate supporting businesses across Wales in ensuring safe and efficient glass returns, making the system beneficial for consumers and industry alike.”
Sarah Horner, UK and Ireland director at the circular economy non-profit Reloop, welcomed the announcement as well.
“We commend the Welsh Government for aligning timelines on common materials and adopting a phased approach for glass and reuse,” Horner stated.
“We support this strategy and call upon the UK Deposit Management Organisation and the UK Government to back the Welsh Government’s environmental ambitions.”
Lastly, drinks manufacturing giant Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I expressed readiness to welcome Wales with “open arms.”
“This is a significant step that provides the certainty we needed to move forward,” said chief operating officer Elise Seibold.
“The October 2027 rollout is crucial for the UK’s journey to net-zero, and together with Wales, we can accelerate progress toward a circular economy for drinks containers.”
