Wales setting up for deposit return scheme includes glass

The Welsh Parliament (Senedd) has voted in favour of the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026, underpinning the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme. The regulations will establish a DRS for in-scope drinks containers, including single-use closed bottles and cans made from plastic, steel, glass or aluminium, containing between 150ml to three litres of liquid and supplied for consumption in Wales. This now means that from 1 October 2027, anyone supplied with a drink in these types of containers must pay a (refundable) deposit to the person who supplies the drink container. The deposit is refunded when the container is returned to a designated return point.

Travis Way, managing director at EcoVend, a brand of the circular economy company Reconomy, says, “The Senedd’s approval of these regulations offers some welcome clarity ahead of the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme. As the only UK nation to include glass, ensuring interoperability with the scheme across the rest of the UK will be essential to minimise complexity for producers and retailers operating across borders.

“Alignment on labelling, logistics and system design will be key to making the scheme work effectively in practice, helping businesses avoid unnecessary cost and operational friction while delivering a consistent and convenient experience for consumers.

“We now look forward to the appointment of the deposit management organisation and further detail on how the Welsh scheme will integrate with the wider UK framework, giving businesses the certainty they need to prepare ahead of the 2027 launch.”