The Welsh government has announced it will create its own Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which the ACS has labelled as ‘confusing, costly and disruptive’.
The plans mean a UK-wide DRS will not be delivered.
In a written statement published on 18 November, deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies said a UK-wide scheme has been abandoned due to being unable to address issues inherited by the UK government from the previous administration.
The UK government had previously committed to delivering a deposit return scheme for the whole of the UK in October 2027. A DRS exclusive to Wales means that there will be two separate schemes set up in the UK, working on different timelines and management systems, according to the ACS.
Under the Welsh scheme, there will be a greater focus on the reuse of materials.
Irranca-Davies said: “We have been working to initiate a joint process to appoint the Deposit Management Organisation for our respective schemes later this month.
New British Soft Drinks Association boss vows to challenge Wales on DRS plans
“However, in the time available it has not been possible to address the issues to the operation of devolution caused by the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, inherited by the UK government from the previous administration. This unfortunately means that we are not able to proceed with the joint process or notify the WTO in relation to the scheme at this point.
“As a government, we remain committed to bringing forward a DRS which will deliver for Wales by supporting our ongoing transition to a circular economy. We will therefore continue our active engagement to develop a scheme that supports the transition to reuse for all drinks containers including those made from glass.”
The decision has been criticised by the ACS, with chief executive James Lowman expressing “extreme concern” to Wales “insisting on a different approach” to a DRS.
“A unified approach across the UK is best for consumers, retailers and producers, and has the best chance of achieving meaningful change in recycling rates,” he continued. “The Welsh government’s separate approach will be confusing for everyone involved and disruptive to the delivery of DRS across the rest of UK.”
The Welsh government have not set out its intended timescales for the introduction of its own DRS, meaning that it is possible that the rest of the UK will have a scheme in place before Wales.
Comments
This article doesn't have any comments yet, be the first!