Wales moves forward with deposit return scheme including glass bottles

The Welsh Government has formally advanced plans to introduce a national deposit return scheme (DRS) after laying new regulations before the Senedd.

The Deposit Return Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 establish the legal framework for a scheme intended to increase recycling rates, reduce litter and support Wales’ transition towards a circular economy. The regulations were announced by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies.

Under the proposed approach, the Welsh scheme will cover PET plastic bottles, aluminium and steel cans, as well as single-use glass bottles. The inclusion of glass from the start differentiates Wales’ model from deposit return schemes planned elsewhere in the UK.

The Deputy First Minister confirmed that an agreement had been secured allowing Wales to proceed with its wider scope, following an exclusion from the UK Internal Market Act.

While glass containers are set to be included from the outset, the regulations provide for a four-year transition period. During this time, glass bottles will not be subject to labelling requirements and will carry a zero-pence deposit, giving producers and retailers time to prepare before deposits are applied.

To support alignment across the UK, a UK-wide implementation taskforce has been proposed to help coordinate delivery and address cross-border considerations.

Responses from industry have been mixed. The UK government and several trade bodies, including the Association of Convenience Stores, have raised concerns that the inclusion of glass introduces, “unnecessary operational complexity,” “costly” burdens, and creates, “fundamental complexity for our pubs and restaurants”. Retail representatives, British Glass, and the British Soft Drinks Association have also highlighted that the Welsh approach differs from the rest of the UK, warning of, “regulatory chaos” and potential supply chain disruption.

This is a big step forward in establishing a UK-wide deposit return scheme, enabling a unified approach for aluminium cans and plastic bottles, although granting an exclusion for single-use glass means challenges remain.

The Welsh Government must engage with industry to resolve the issues inherent in different schemes on either side of the border — including the risk of substantial fraud.

Andy Bagnall, British Soft Drinks Association Director General.

We welcome the UK government’s decision to give Wales the green light on the inclusion of glass in its deposit return scheme, providing businesses with the time needed to prepare for full implementation by 2031.

Clearer guidance on the scheme’s design and integration with the wider UK system will be crucial for drinks producers and retailers as they plan for October 2027. By supporting the safe and efficient return of glass alongside plastics and metals, the Welsh scheme has the opportunity to set a benchmark for how deposit return systems can work efficiently for businesses and be easy for consumers to use.

Deposit return schemes are key to a circular economy, helping reduce litter and recover valuable materials. This confirmation is a major step for Wales in turning more materials into reusable resources and creating cleaner streets and public spaces.

Travis Way, Managing Director at EcoVend, the RVM specialists and a brand by international circular economy specialists Reconomy.

Subject to Senedd approval, the DRS will go live on 1 October 2027, aligning with launches planned across the rest of the UK. The scheme will apply to containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.