Wales to develop separate deposit return scheme to protect recycling progress
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."
