The inclusion of glass in Wales’ Deposit Return Sceheme (DRS) will create “additional costs and operational burden” for local shops, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has warned.
It comes after the Welsh government was given the green light to press ahead with its own DRS that will now include glass.
The UK government announced yesterday it had granted the Welsh government an exemption to the Internal Markets Act, which allows them to go ahead with a DRS that diverges from that being introduced in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Under the approved Welsh scheme, glass containers will be part of the scheme from day one, but will be exempt from deposits and labelling requirements until 2031.
The deposits for containers made from aluminium, steel and PET plastic are still scheduled to come into effect at the same time as the wider UK scheme in October 2027.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “We support the introduction of the DRS across the UK but the decision to include glass containers in Wales will result in additional costs and operational burdens for local shops, and confusion for customers who will have no incentive to return glass containers to shops until 2031.
“Extended time periods to prepare and a taskforce for operational alignment are welcome, but it will still leave retailers footing the bill for investing in more expensive infrastructure to collect and store glass containers.”
Responding to the announcement, Andy Bagnall, director general at the British Soft Drinks Association, said: “This is a big step forward in establishing a UK-wide deposit return scheme, enabling a unified approach for aluminium cans and plastic bottles, although granting an exclusion for single-use glass means challenges remain.
“We look forward to the Welsh government now rapidly appointing a scheme administrator and ensuring glass is included in the scheme in the most practical way possible, by keeping the required number of glass-enabled reverse vending machines to a minimum.
“The Welsh government must also engage with industry to resolve the issues inherent in different schemes for glass on either side of the border - including the risk of substantial fraud - to remove the cliff edge in four years’ time when the transition period ends.”
Bagnall added: “This pragmatic approach is the only way to deliver a workable scheme without unintended consequences for shoppers and small businesses. The soft drinks industry will play its part so that, together, we can kickstart the circular economy, boost recycling and reduce litter.”
Travis Way, managing director at EcoVend, said: “We welcome the UK government’s decision to give Wales the green light on the inclusion of glass in its deposit return scheme, providing businesses with the time needed to prepare for full implementation by 2031.
“Clearer guidance on the scheme’s design and integration with the wider UK system will be crucial for drinks producers and retailers as they plan for October 2027. By supporting the safe and efficient return of glass alongside plastics and metals, the Welsh scheme has the opportunity to set a benchmark for how deposit return systems can work efficiently for businesses and be easy for consumers to use.
“Deposit return schemes are key to a circular economy, helping reduce litter and recover valuable materials. This confirmation is a major step for Wales in turning more materials into reusable resources and creating cleaner streets and public spaces.”
You can now secure your tickets to the Convenience Awards 2026!
Join us on 11 March in Liverpool to celebrate the entire convenience community.
See this year’s finalists and book your seat here.
No comments yet