Mr Gruffudd said Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will include plastic PET, metal and glass drinks containers from its launch. However, under the Beverage Container Deposit (Wales) Regulations 2026, glass containers will have a four-year transition period. During this time, they will not need deposit labels and will carry a zero-pence deposit.
He added that the Welsh DRS would help reduce litter, improve the collection of high-quality recyclable materials and support the wider adoption of reusable drinks containers across Wales.
The drinks industry has welcomed the appointment of Exchange for Change to deliver the scheme. Andy Bagnall, general secretary of the British Soft Drinks Association, described the appointment as “an important milestone” in launching a successful Deposit Return Scheme by October 2027.
Mr Bagnall said preparations were already well advanced in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the October 2027 DRS launch. He warned that introducing the scheme in Wales within such a short timeframe meant “there can be no further delays”.
He also said the Welsh Government’s decision to include glass containers from day one would significantly complicate operations. Mr Bagnall urged ministers to take a realistic approach when considering what can be delivered within the proposed timescale.
Exchange for Change described its appointment as a “significant milestone” that would support the development of an effective and efficient Welsh Deposit Return Scheme.
The company said the DRS represented a “transformative opportunity” to improve how waste is managed across the UK. It added that it looked forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to progress plans for the scheme.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk