The Welsh Government has opened its third consultation on how its upcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) should operate.
Previous feedback showed strong public backing for change: 83% supported glass being part of a DRS, and 73% favoured refilling glass bottles instead of relying solely on recycling.
This latest consultation built on those results, looking at how Wales can design a system that reflects international best practice while fitting with other UK waste policies, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
The Welsh DRS is scheduled to launch in 2027, in line with the rest of the UK.
The consultation will run from 18 August to 10 November 2025.
A Roadmap For Reuse
Central to the proposals was a “reuse roadmap”, which would phase in requirements for a growing proportion of drinks containers to be refillable.
The roadmap would outline clear targets for 2031, 2035 and 2040, covering glass, PET plastics, and aluminium cans, across products from soft drinks and bottled water to beer, cider and spirits.
Initial return rate targets were proposed at 70% in year one, 80% in year two, and 90% in year three.
However, glass containers would be exempt from deposits until 2030, meaning the targets won’t apply to them immediately.
Consultation Proposals
The consultation also enquired on a range of design details for the new DRS. This included questions on:
- Bottle size and shape
- Transportation logistics
- Integration of technology
- Investment into infrastructure
- Future opportunities for the DRS
Glass Exemptions Remain Contentious
In response to earlier feedback, Wales proposed to adjust glass exemptions.
Instead of producers of fewer than 5,000 units annually being exempt, businesses already exempt under the pEPR – those handling under 25 tonnes of packaging per year – would also be exempt from DRS obligations.
However, the inclusion of glass remains a controversial issue. British Glass warned the proposals could undermine Wales’s kerbside recycling success.
Director Nick Kirk said: “Wales already has one of the best kerbside glass collection systems in the world – so why disrupt it with an expensive and unnecessary DRS that will deliver little extra benefit?"
“With zero deposit on glass, the public will stick to the convenience of kerbside collections, while producers face high fees and added complexity."
“We support glass reuse, but it must be a UK-wide system so that brands and retailers can commit with confidence.”
Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), added: “The Welsh Government’s proposal for a separate and different Deposit Return Scheme in Wales, one that includes glass, is concerning.
“It risks undermining an existing recycling system that is ‘best in class’ and creating new and significant market distortions.”
View our previous story on the Deposit Return Scheme here: 'Deposit Return Scheme Operator Appointed [21.05.25]'
