The Association of Convenience Stores has raised serious concerns
in response to the Welsh Government's decision to create its own
Deposit Return Scheme specifically for Wales, instead of
delivering a UK wide scheme.
In a written statement published today (18th
November), Deputy First Minister said: “We have been working to initiate a
joint process to appoint the Deposit Management Organisation for
our respective schemes later this month. However, in the time
available it has not been possible to address the issues to the
operation of devolution caused by the United Kingdom Internal
Market Act 2020, inherited by the UK Government from the previous
administration. This unfortunately means that we are not able to
proceed with the joint process or notify the WTO in relation to
the scheme at this point.”
“As a Government, we remain committed to bringing forward a DRS
which will deliver for Wales by supporting our ongoing transition
to a circular economy. We will therefore continue our active
engagement to develop a scheme that supports the transition to
reuse for all drinks containers including those made from
glass.”
The UK Government had previously committed to delivering a
deposit return scheme for the whole of the UK in October 2027.
Today's announcement from the Welsh Government means that there
will be two separate schemes set up in the UK, working on
different timelines and management systems. Under the Welsh
scheme, there will be a greater focus on the reuse of materials.
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James
Lowman said: “We are extremely concerned that the Welsh
Government is doubling down on insisting on a different approach
to a DRS (deposit return scheme) than the rest of the UK. A
unified approach across the UK is best for consumers, retailers
and producers, and has the best chance of achieving meaningful
change in recycling rates. The Welsh Government's separate
approach will be confusing for everyone involved and disruptive
to the delivery of DRS across the rest of UK.”
The Welsh Government have not set out its intended timescales for
the introduction of its own Deposit Return Scheme, meaning that
it is possible that the rest of the UK will have a scheme in
place before Wales.
