Wales’ planned Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been granted a formal exemption from the UK Internal Market Act, allowing ministers to press ahead with a version of the scheme that accepts glass containers.
The decision enables Wales to roll out its system in October 2027 in parallel with deposit schemes across the rest of the UK, but with a broader material scope.
Officials described the development as a significant step toward reducing litter and supporting circular economy goals.
Glass Included in Welsh Model
The Welsh Government announced the update alongside the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 to the Senedd.
The rules set out how the programme will operate and who will oversee delivery.
According to ministers, securing the exemption was essential because the Welsh model differs from schemes elsewhere in the UK by covering glass bottles as well as metal and plastic drinks containers.
In a ministerial statement, the government said its approach is designed to reflect Welsh recycling priorities while still maintaining workable arrangements with neighbouring schemes.
When the scheme begins, it will apply to single-use drinks containers made from PET plastic, aluminium, steel and glass. Eligible containers will range in size from 150 millilitres up to 3 litres.
Transition Period for Glass Containers
A four-year adjustment window will apply to glass packaging. During this phase, glass containers will not need DRS labels and will carry a zero deposit value.
The government said this staged approach is intended to give manufacturers and retailers time to update systems and packaging, while also fitting with longer-term reuse and refill targets.
Wales confirmed in late 2024 that it would step away from the previously coordinated UK DRS process and develop its own version tailored to national policy aims.
Despite the separate path, Wales has continued to work toward the shared UK launch date of 1 October 2027.
Officials had indicated the programme could not proceed if an exemption was not approved.
View our previous DRS stories here:
Wales Opens Consultation on DRS with Glass Included [25.08.25]
