Welsh Government prioritises protection of world-leading recycling rates and transition to reuse as it confirms development of Wales-specific deposit return scheme including glass containers
Wales will develop its own deposit return scheme (DRS) separate from the rest of the UK, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced today (18 November), citing concerns that the proposed UK-wide system could undermine the nation's world-leading recycling performance.
In a written statement, Irranca-Davies confirmed Wales cannot proceed with the joint process for appointing a Deposit Management Organisation due to unresolved issues with the UK Internal Market Act 2020.
"Wales already ranked second in the world for recycling, it places us in a unique position of implementing a scheme into an already high recycling nation," said Irranca-Davies. "That means that to develop a DRS that will deliver benefit to Wales necessitates an approach which looks Beyond Recycling."
Glass inclusion drives decision
The decision appears linked to Wales's commitment to include glass containers in its scheme, unlike England, Scotland and Northern Ireland which will exclude glass from their DRS systems planned for October 2027.
Industry engagement has revealed "a range of views on how best to achieve the transition to reuse," according to the Deputy First Minister, who confirmed Wales will "develop a scheme that supports the transition to reuse for all drinks containers including those made from glass."
The Welsh Government emphasised its determination to prevent any new system from undermining existing recycling achievements. "It is vital that the introduction of a DRS will build upon and not detract from the progress everyone has worked so hard to deliver," Irranca-Davies stated.
The announcement comes as Scotland prepares to join England and Northern Ireland in launching a glass-free DRS in October 2027.
Reacting to the announcement, Jenni Hume, UK and Ireland director at circular economy charity Reloop, expressed support for Wales's position: "Reloop has long supported the Welsh government's ambition for a deposit return scheme that includes glass and reuse as that has the most environmental benefits."
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.