Retailers are not happy with the Welsh government approach to include glass in the country's Deposit Return Scheme, saying that that the current proposals risk adding unnecessary costs without delivering clear benefits for consumers or the environment.
The 12-week consultation launched by the Welsh government, which runs until 10 November, will inform Wales' approach to implementing a scheme that includes glass drink containers and prioritises reuse over traditional recycling methods.
With Wales already having the second highest recycling rate globally, this deposit return scheme builds on that success by supporting the transition to reuse, which delivers significantly greater environmental benefits than recycling alone.
Extensive engagement with stakeholders, including a national conference and sector-specific workshops, has informed the consultation's development. The scheme will complement existing environmental policies and support Wales' journey towards net zero.
Responding to the Welsh Government launching a consultation on a Welsh Deposit Return Scheme, Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the BRC, said, "Retailers look forward to working with the Welsh Government to deliver a UK-wide deposit return scheme, but do not understand why it is pushing proposals to also include single-use glass containers without a deposit initially.
"We welcome the decision to align a scheme for metal and plastic containers, which makes it far more likely a four-nation system can be delivered and represents real progress towards a circular economy. Welsh Ministers deserve credit for listening to businesses and experts on this point.
"However, we are not convinced by the current proposals for single-use glass. They risk adding unnecessary costs without delivering clear benefits for consumers or the environment.
"It would make far more sense to skip past this slightly antiquated approach and separately explore how we can expand the use of reusable glass containers, with industry already proposing a large-scale trial as an alternative.
"This would allow Wales to be a trailblazer in the circular economy, rather than invest in an outdated and costly approach.
"Most importantly, debate around glass must not delay progress on an aligned plastic and metal DRS across all four nations.
"The best approach is to first focus on delivering that aligned DRS alongside the other three UK nations, and then look strategically at the best solution for glass."
The consultation closes on 10 November 2025. Full details are available at: Delivering a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers in Wales.