, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary
for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Today, the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for
Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 have been laid.
This scheme enables the return of drinks containers for recycling
and reuse, and so it will build on our world‑class recycling
performance, tackle litter in our communities and help us reduce
waste even further. This is a major milestone on our
journey towards ending throwaway culture and creating a more
circular economy and delivers on our commitment in Beyond
Recycling and Net Zero Wales.
We have always been clear that we need to progress a scheme which
meets Wales' needs and delivers improvement against our high
recycling rates, whilst managing interoperability across the UK.
In practice, this means a scheme that includes glass bottles in
Wales, even though the previous UK Government chose to diverge
from that previously collectively agreed scope. That difference
in scope has meant the need for an exclusion from the UK Internal
Market Act. Through partnership working with the other
Governments in the UK, I am pleased to be able to confirm their
agreement to that exclusion being brought forward.
This means that the scheme in Wales will encompass PET plastic
bottles, aluminium and steel cans, and glass bottles drinks
single use containers from day one. It will also commence a clear
pathway towards the roll out of reuse, supported by the pilots
which industry are committed to delivering and meaning that
Wales' scheme will reflect international best practice and
continue to lead the way within the UK.
As previously set out, in order to meet industry's request for
the aligned launch of DRS across the UK in October 2027, we have
accelerated the development of the regulations which are laid
today to establish the scheme. This means that the main content
of the recent public consultation, particularly in relation to
setting out onward targets for reuse, will therefore need to be
brought forward in subsequent regulations. Discussions on the
UKIMA exclusion for these elements have already commenced.
To support the smooth delivery of the schemes across the UK, I
have proposed to the UK, Northern Ireland and Scottish
Governments the establishment of an implementation taskforce to
oversee interoperability, working in partnership with the
appointed industry-led Deposit Management Organisations. We will
also continue our close partnership working with industry, Local
Authorities and wider stakeholders to ensure the scheme will
deliver clear benefit to Wales.
The Regulations which will now be considered by the Senedd, set
the overall framework for DRS, enable the appointment of a
Deposit Management Organisation, and define the scheme's purpose
and scope. From 1 October 2027, the scheme will cover PET plastic
bottles, aluminium and steel cans, and glass bottles (150 ml to 3
L). Following the earlier engagement with industry, whilst glass
drinks containers will be part of the scheme and collected from
the outset, there will be a transition period during which glass
drinks containers will be exempt from labelling and carry a
zero‑pence deposit. This will last for four years, providing a
substantial period which gives industry time to adapt to the
requirements which will then apply to glass drinks containers in
parallel with the phasing in of reuse. The scheme will also allow
people in Wales to donate their deposit refunds to charity,
supporting wider social and community benefits.
Subject to Senedd approval, the regulations will enable a DRS to
be brought forward in Wales from 1 October 2027. This represents
another milestone in the development of our scheme, which will
enable Wales to keep leading the way in the UK and the world in
building a circular economy that delivers for our economy, our
communities and our environment.
