The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
Running until 12 November, the 12-week consultation will inform the nation’s approach to implementing a scheme that includes glass drink containers and prioritises reuse over traditional recycling methods.
The Welsh Government is implementing a DRS for drinks containers, aligning with the UK-wide rollout in October 2027. Initially, the scheme will include plastic and metal containers, with glass to be included later
The latest consultation examines how glass inclusion can tackle litter, improve the on-the-go recycling infrastructure and create economic opportunities through reuse.
Speaking at the consultation’s launch at a Welsh soft drinks factory yesterday (18 August) Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies (right), said: ”Wales has always led by example on environmental action, and the DRS represents our next bold step forward.
“Visiting the old Corona Pop factory - once a hub for reusable glass bottles - was a reminder that we’re not inventing something new, we’re returning to the best of our industrial heritage whilst building a sustainable future.
“By putting reuse at the centre of our approach, we’re not just tackling waste - we’re creating a model that other nations can follow. This scheme will drive innovation, create green jobs and help tackle both the climate and nature crises simultaneously.”
In response, Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium (left), expressed concerns about the plans. ”Retailers look forward to working with the Welsh Government to deliver a UK-wide DRS, but don’t understand why it’s pushing proposals to also include single-use glass containers without a deposit initially.
“We welcome the decision to align a scheme for metal and plastic containers, which makes it far more likely a four-nation system can be delivered and represents real progress towards a circular economy. Welsh Ministers deserve credit for listening to businesses and experts on this point.
“However, we’re not convinced by the current proposals for single-use glass. They risk adding unnecessary costs without delivering clear benefits for consumers or the environment. It would make far more sense to skip past this slightly antiquated approach and separately explore how we can expand the use of reusable glass containers, with industry already proposing a large-scale trial as an alternative. This would allow Wales to be a trailblazer in the circular economy, rather than invest in an outdated and costly approach.
“Debate around glass must not delay progress on an aligned plastic and metal DRS across all four nations.”
“Most importantly, debate around glass must not delay progress on an aligned plastic and metal DRS across all four nations. The best approach is to first focus on delivering that aligned DRS alongside the other three UK nations, then look strategically at the best solution for glass.”
In addition, the Association of Convenience Stores’ (ACS) chief executive, James Lowman (right), responded: “We’ve learned over the last decade of talks and trials on the introduction of a DRS that the operation of the scheme is complex. This becomes exponentially more challenging when there are fundamentally different approaches in different parts of the UK.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage with the Welsh Government consultation on delivering DRS in Wales, but the inclusion of single use and reusable glass will add complexity and cost for convenience retailers that must be accounted for in handling fees paid to retailers and the design of the whole system.
“We welcome this consultation which poses a number of vital questions. Retailers need clear answers quickly and for the scheme to be built around the operational realities of running return points.”
The ACS says it will be consulting with members and responding to the consultation in due course.
Also speaking after the news of the consultation, Travis Way (left), managing director of circular economy specialists EcoVend by Reconomy, said: “It’s pleasing to see Wales launch its consultation on a DRS that places reuse at its core. Reuse is an effective way to cut plastic pollution, enhance circularity and reduce costs for producers.”
However, Way said he had concerns about the development. “While Wales is aligned with the other UK nations on including metals and plastics in the scheme, the decision to press ahead with bringing single-use glass into scope has raised concerns among soft drinks companies and retailers.
“While the Welsh Government has stressed there will be a carefully phased approach to avoid disruption by not requiring deposits or changes to labelling, it will be important that this is developed in close collaboration with the other nations to minimise operational challenges for retailers and producers and prevent any unnecessary consumer confusion.”
Submissions to the consultation can be made here.
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