Welsh Government accelerates Deposit Return Scheme timeline to match UK rollout while maintaining distinct inclusion of glass containers.
Wales will introduce its own Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in 2027, aligning its implementation timeline with the rest of the UK to reduce costs and avoid operational complexity, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies has announced.
In a statement, Irranca-Davies confirmed that following extensive discussions with industry, environmental organisations, and governments across the UK, the Welsh Government has committed to bringing forward the scheme “in a way that is both ambitious and practical.”
The Welsh DRS will include glass containers — a point of divergence from other UK nations — allowing Wales to begin rolling out reuse as a core element of the scheme.
The scenario where a scheme is introduced in other parts of the UK, with no scheme in place in Wales, carries the greatest risk.
The government argues this approach will build on Wales’ high recycling rates and address growing safety concerns around litter, particularly broken glass, which Keep Wales Tidy reported was present on over 43% of Welsh streets in 2023–24.
“I have listened carefully to industry’s concerns,” said Irranca-Davies. “The scenario where a scheme is introduced in other parts of the UK, with no scheme in place in Wales, carries the greatest risk. We are therefore willing to accelerate our timetable to align with the rest of the UK.”
The Welsh Government says it will work with stakeholders to mitigate the risks posed by differences in scope — such as labelling and fraud — and ensure a phased, practical rollout that avoids unintended consequences.
Industry collaboration will continue to shape the scheme, which the government says will support small businesses and aim to unlock up to £3.8 billion in economic savings as part of Wales’ wider shift towards a circular economy.
Timeline clarity and inclusion of glass
Leaders from across the drinks, recycling, and circular economy sectors have welcomed the Welsh Government’s decision to align its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) with the rest of the UK, with implementation now set for October 2027.
Elise Seibold, Chief Operating Officer at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, described the announcement as “a really positive step” that provides much-needed certainty to the industry. “We are ready to welcome Wales to the scheme with open arms,” she said. “Together with Wales we can accelerate progress for a circular economy for drinks containers.”
A well-designed DRS will play a key role in reducing litter, increasing the recyclability of single-use plastics, and keeping valuable materials in use for longer
Biffa’s Head of Partnerships, Carla Brian, also applauded the decision to bring forward the timeline, saying it will ensure consistent participation across all four nations. “The Welsh Government has extensively engaged with stakeholders, including Biffa, producers, and retailers to get to this place,” she said. “The focus now must be on delivering effective implementation.”
EcoVend Managing Director Travis Way, speaking on behalf of Reconomy Group, welcomed both the clarity on timing and the Welsh Government’s decision to retain glass within the scheme. “This gives vital direction to drinks manufacturers, retailers, and the wider waste sector,” he said. “A well-designed DRS will play a key role in reducing litter, increasing the recyclability of single-use plastics, and keeping valuable materials in use for longer.”
Collectively, the responses reflect strong industry support for a unified and practical approach across the UK, while also acknowledging Wales’ continued ambition to lead in reuse and recycling.