The Welsh government’s decision to operate its own deposit return scheme (DRS) will lead to delays, fraud and reduced choice for retailers, trade bodies have warned.
In a shock announcement last month, Wales deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies said it was forced to make the decision due to the UK government being unable to address issues inherited by the previous administration.
However, several trade bodies, such as the ACS and Fed, criticised the decision, warning it would derail plans to roll out a UK-wide DRS by a planned 2027 date.
James Bielby, chief executive of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, said: “Having different material in different nations is totally unworkable for wholesalers, producers and retailers. It is confusing for consumers and is open to fraud.
“Running a standalone DRS is totally unworkable for wholesalers, and retailers will take a hit as fewer products are made available for sale in Wales.”
Draft deposit return scheme legislation goes to parliament
The criticism comes as Defra released its draft DRS legislation in parliament for England and Northern Ireland last week.
Despite Wales’s decision, the draft legislation stressed a UK-wide DRS was still on track to be rolled out on 1 October 2027.
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