February 12, 2026 - 171 views
Wales has taken a major step towards introducing a nationwide deposit return scheme for drinks containers, a move that could significantly cut litter and boost already high recycling rates across North Wales.
New regulations laying the groundwork for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) were published today by the Welsh Government. Subject to approval by the Senedd, the scheme will come into force from October 2027 and will allow people to return used drinks containers in exchange for a refundable deposit.
The Welsh scheme will cover single-use PET plastic bottles, aluminium and steel cans, and glass bottles — a key difference from plans elsewhere in the UK. Ministers say including glass reflects Wales’s commitment to reducing waste and supporting reuse, while building on its reputation as one of the world’s top recycling nations.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said the scheme marked “a major milestone” in tackling throwaway culture and moving towards a circular economy.
Wales already recycles more than 65 per cent of its waste, placing it among the top recycling countries globally. In North Wales, several councils consistently perform well above the UK average. Conwy, Gwynedd and Denbighshire, for example, have long-running kerbside sorting systems and strong public participation, while Anglesey has been recognised for reducing landfill waste through weekly food recycling and strict separation of materials.
The new deposit scheme is intended to complement, rather than replace, existing local authority collections. Councils across North Wales have welcomed the potential for cleaner streets, beaches and beauty spots — particularly important in a region that relies heavily on tourism and outdoor recreation.
Under the plans, consumers will pay a small deposit when buying a drink, which can be reclaimed when the empty container is returned. The scheme will also allow people to donate their deposit refunds to charities, potentially supporting community and environmental projects across North Wales.
Although glass bottles will be included from the start, there will be a four-year transition period during which they will not need special labelling and will carry a zero-pence deposit. This is designed to give producers time to adapt, while pilots explore how reuse systems — such as refillable bottles — could work in Wales.
The Welsh Government has confirmed it is working closely with the UK, Scottish and Northern Irish governments to ensure the Welsh scheme operates smoothly alongside systems elsewhere, despite differences in scope. An implementation taskforce is expected to oversee the rollout, working with industry, councils and recycling operators.
If approved, the scheme will launch in October 2027, reinforcing Wales’s position as a leader in recycling and waste reduction. For North Wales, where protecting coastlines, countryside and town centres is a constant priority, the deposit return scheme is being seen as another practical step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
