The Welsh parliament has approved landmark legislation to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) from October 2027, marking a significant step towards tackling litter and boosting recycling rates across the country.
The scheme will require consumers to pay a refundable deposit on drinks containers made from plastic, aluminium, steel and, controversially, glass, with the fee returned when the empty container is brought back to a designated return point such as a supermarket or convenience store.
The inclusion of glass bottles makes the Welsh model unique among UK nations, but it has also raised concerns among retailers about operational complexity, safety, and cross-border consistency.
“This is a significant moment for Wales,” deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies said. “International evidence shows a Deposit Return Scheme can tackle litter, improve on the go recycling and further reduce waste. This will keep valuable materials in circulation for longer – building on the world-leading recycling system Wales has already developed.”
Under the regulations, the scheme will apply to drinks containers between 150ml and 3 litres, with retailers playing a central role as return points. The Welsh government will now move into the implementation phase, including appointing a Deposit Management Organisation and finalising operational details ahead of the 2027 launch.
However, industry voices have urged caution, particularly around the divergence between Wales and the rest of the UK.
“The Senedd’s approval of these regulations offers some welcome clarity ahead of the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme,” Travis Way, managing director at EcoVend, said. “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.”
Way stressed that alignment on labelling, logistics and system design would be critical to avoid unnecessary costs and operational friction for businesses, while ensuring a consistent experience for consumers.
Retailers have long expressed concern that differing DRS models across the UK could create confusion, particularly for convenience stores operating near national borders or stocking products distributed across multiple markets.
Alongside the Welsh developments, amendments to UK-wide DRS legislation aimed at accelerating the rollout of reverse vending machines (RVMs) are due to come into force from 9 April 2026.
The changes will allow RVMs to be installed within or immediately outside retail premises without full planning permission, subject to certain size and placement restrictions. Machines will be limited to a footprint of 80 square metres and a height of four metres, with additional rules governing installations in shop walls.
EcoVend also welcomed these amendments, describing them as a practical step forward for retailers preparing for DRS.
“We welcome the decision to allow retailers to install reverse vending machines without requiring full planning permission,” Way said. “This is a positive step forward, making the journey toward preparing for the UK Deposit Return Scheme more straightforward and accessible.”
He added that the changes would be particularly beneficial for smaller retailers by reducing administrative burdens, but cautioned that clear guidance would still be essential as the 2027 deadline approaches.