Wales moves closer to deposit return scheme in the UK

The Welsh government has announced that it has initiated the process to appoint a deposit management organisation (DMO) to run its deposit return scheme (DRS), it said in a written statement from Huw Irranca-Davies MS, deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs.

He noted, “We have made adaptations to the scheme that will both ensure we can bring forward a DRS that delivers clear benefit to Wales, by supporting the transition to reuse and building upon our world class recycling, whilst also taking a pragmatic, phased approach on glass and reuse to ensure interoperability within the UK. These changes will also avoid the significant risks and impacts that industry have outlined would result in the scenario where Deposit Return Schemes are implemented within the other nations but not in Wales. 

“We have accelerated the development of our scheme in response to the call from industry. As part of this, we have also listened carefully to their calls to commence the process to appoint the DMO as early as possible. Subject to the DRS Regulations being approved by the Senedd, successful applicant can be appointed by the Welsh Ministers from March 2026. This approach mirrors that taken by the UK government in the development of its regulations and appointment of the DMO for England. 

“With Wales already among the world’s best recyclers, it is vital that we draw from the world’s best schemes to ensure DRS will build on our already high recycling performance. With the best schemes internationally already delivering reuse at scale, the ability to support the transition to reuse and move Beyond Recycling is central to our scheme and essential to delivering added value for Wales. Reusing materials through a DRS reduces the need to extract raw materials, supports containers to be used multiple times over and can therefore support producers to be more resource efficient, while also reducing litter and carbon emissions and saving energy.”

Commenting on the statement, Travis Way, managing director at EcoVend, a brand from circularity company Reconomy, said: “This is an important and encouraging step forward in Wales’ DRS journey. By launching the process to appoint a Deposit Management Organisation, the Welsh Government appears to be making headway in moving the scheme from ambition to delivery. Securing the right DMO will be critical – the organisation chosen will set the tone for how efficiently, transparently and effectively the scheme operates from day one.

“With this momentum, the focus must now shift to implementation on the ground. A successful DRS relies on robust infrastructure, and reverse vending machines will play a central role in enabling people across Wales to easily return drinks containers and keep valuable materials in circulation. At EcoVend by Reconomy, we are already working with major retailers, convenience stores, leisure operators, businesses and local authorities across Wales to prepare for this transition with scalable, high-performance technology designed for busy, public-facing environments.

“As Wales moves ahead, businesses should use this head start to get ready. Those who plan and invest early will be best placed to meet forthcoming requirements, improve recycling outcomes and demonstrate genuine environmental leadership as the scheme takes shape.”