The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on Delivering a Best for Wales Deposit Return Scheme in Wales which includes plans to add glass to the deposit-based scheme already being planned from day one, and to overlay a system where more reusable drinks containers are collected for re-filling.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and covers a range of issues, including:
1. Glass in scope from the start – unlike the rest of the UK, glass bottles will be included in Wales from day one of the DRS but there will not be a deposit applied.
2. Gradual transition – obligations to collect single-use glass and reusable glass and other materials will be phased in over time, allowing industry to adapt. The exact transition period for reusable collection obligations is subject to consultation.
3. Handling fees – proposals on how return point operator fees should be calculated, including space, equipment, and staff costs.
4. Support for SMEs – questions on how smaller retailers can be supported with infrastructure, collections, and funding to take part fairly.
The rest of the UK is set to introduce a deposit return scheme for plastic, aluminium and steel drinks containers in October 2027, and has appointed UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd (UKDMO) to make the scheme work. ACS has previously criticised the inclusion of glass containers on a “reuse” basis where bottles are returned to be refilled rather than recycled, highlighting the operational challenges this presents for retailers.
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “We have learned over the last decade of talks and trials on the introduction of a deposit return scheme 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 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.”
ACS will be consulting with members and responding to the consultation in due course.
