The Welsh Government has announced its withdrawal from the UK-wide process to develop a unified Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), opting instead to design a system tailored to Wales’ needs. Deputy First Minister and Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies MS attributed the decision to complications arising from the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, which has previously delayed progress on DRS implementation across the UK.
Challenges in UK DRS Alignment
The decision reflects long-standing disagreements, particularly regarding the inclusion of glass. Wales has committed to a comprehensive DRS covering all drinks containers, including glass, whereas schemes in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland exclude glass. This divergence follows Scotland’s earlier struggles with similar provisions under the Internal Market Act.
Commitment to a Circular Economy
In a written statement, Irranca-Davies reaffirmed Wales’ dedication to creating a DRS that supports its transition to a circular economy. “Active engagement with industry has shown varying views on how best to transition to reuse,” he noted. The Welsh Government plans to continue international consultations to ensure best practices in its scheme design. A timeline for implementation is yet to be confirmed.
Mixed Reactions
The announcement has drawn diverse responses. Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy commended the decision, emphasising Wales’ leadership in recycling and reuse. "Excluding glass significantly undermines the potential impact of a DRS," a spokesperson said, supporting Wales’ push for an all-inclusive scheme. Similarly, Reloop praised the Welsh Government’s ambitions but called for clarity and urgency in the scheme’s rollout.
Conversely, critics, including the Federation of Independent Retailers, raised concerns about fragmentation. National President Mo Razzaq argued for interoperability across the UK, warning that a fragmented approach could confuse consumers and reduce efficiency.
Industry Concerns
Gavin Partington of the British Soft Drinks Association expressed regret, warning that Wales’ decision could undermine the goal of a unified UK DRS. City to Sea CEO Jane Martin described the situation as "utter chaos," urging Labour to support a glass-inclusive, UK-wide system.
Despite criticism, Wales remains committed to leading on sustainability, aiming for a DRS that aligns with its high recycling standards and long-term environmental goals.
View our previous Wales-related story, 'Wales Recycling Rates Rises to 66.6% in 2023/2024 [31.10.2024]'.
