Welsh Government seeks views on deposit return scheme
The Welsh Government has launched a 12-week consultation on a new deposit return scheme that will include glass drinks containers and place reuse at the centre of its design.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, launched the consultation at the historic Corona Pop Factory site in Porth on 18 August.
A joint UK-wide deposit return scheme involving England, Northern Ireland and Wales was originally planned for 2025 but has been delayed until 2027.
That scheme will not include glass, prompting the Welsh Government to withdraw from the joint process in November 2024.
The Delivering a Best for Wales Deposit Return Scheme consultation runs until 10 November and will guide how the scheme is put into practice.
It builds on Wales’ position as the second highest recycler in the world by focusing on reuse, which officials say brings greater environmental benefits than recycling alone.
The consultation looks at how including glass can reduce litter, improve recycling facilities for people on the go, and create economic opportunities linked to reuse. It has been shaped by engagement with stakeholders through a national conference and sector-specific workshops.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said:
“Wales has always led by example on environmental action, and the deposit return scheme represents our next bold step forward.
Visiting the old Corona Pop Factory, once a hub for reusable glass bottles, was a reminder that we are not inventing something new – we are returning to the best of our industrial heritage while building a sustainable future.
By putting reuse at the centre of our approach, we are not just tackling waste – we are creating a model that other nations can follow. This scheme will drive innovation, create green jobs, and help tackle both the climate and nature crises at the same time.
I encourage businesses and all stakeholders to engage with this consultation and help shape a scheme that truly delivers for Wales.”
Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said:
“Retailers look forward to working with the Welsh Government to deliver a UK-wide deposit return scheme, but do not understand why it is pushing proposals to also include single-use glass containers without a deposit at the start.
We welcome the decision to align a scheme for metal and plastic containers, which makes it more likely a four-nation system can be delivered and represents real progress towards a circular economy. Welsh Ministers deserve credit for listening to businesses and experts on this point.
However, we are not convinced by the current proposals for single-use glass. They risk adding unnecessary costs without delivering clear benefits for consumers or the environment. It would make more sense to move past this slightly outdated approach and instead explore how we can expand the use of reusable glass containers, with industry already proposing a large-scale trial as an alternative. This would allow Wales to be a trailblazer in the circular economy, rather than invest in an outdated and costly model.
Most importantly, debate around glass must not delay progress on an aligned plastic and metal DRS across all four nations. The best approach is to first focus on delivering that aligned DRS alongside the other three UK nations, and then look carefully at the best solution for glass.”
The consultation closes on 10 November 2025. Full details are available at: Delivering a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers in Wales.
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