The Senedd has voted in favour of new regulations that will
establish a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Wales from October
2027.
The decision marks another important step in Wales' journey
towards a circular economy and tackling litter.
A Deposit Return Scheme works by adding a small deposit to the
price of drinks in eligible containers when they are bought.
Members of the public will get that money back when they return
the empty container to a designated return point, such as a
machine in a supermarket or shop. The containers are then
collected and recycled or reused, keeping valuable materials out
of landfill and off the streets.
The DRS will complement Wales' already world-leading recycling
levels by helping the nation take the next step to further
improve on the go recycling and begin the process of piloting and
phasing in reuse. UK-leading, it will be the only deposit return
scheme in all the four nations to include glass bottles.
The regulations put in place the legislation for a DRS that can
deliver for Wales, by not only delivering environmental benefit
by tackling the climate and nature emergency but also important
economic opportunities for green growth, whilst exemplifying the
approach outlined in the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
In passing the regulations it now provides the certainty needed
for the work to implement the scheme to now progress in
partnership with industry, local government and delivery
partners.
Following the vote, the Deputy First Minister with responsibility
for Climate Change, said:
"This is a significant moment for Wales. International evidence
shows a Deposit Return Scheme can tackle litter, improve on the
go recycling and further reduce waste. This will keep valuable
materials in circulation for longer — building on the
world-leading recycling system Wales has already developed.
"I look forward to working closely with businesses, local
authorities, and communities as we move towards implementation in
2027."
The Welsh Government will now enter the next phase of
implementation, including the appointment of the Deposit
Management Organisation to run the scheme and delivery of the
detailed operational arrangements ready for October 2027,
alongside continued stakeholder engagement and partnership
working.
The Welsh Government will also look at how reusable drinks
containers could be included alongside single-use deposit items,
helping to reduce waste and support a more circular economy.
