The Welsh Government is in the process of launching its own DRS which will run separately from the UK-wide scheme.
And in documents filed with the WTO last week, the Welsh Government laid out plans to include glass containers between 150ml and 3L in its scheme, as well as plastic, steel and aluminium bottles and cans.
Approval needs to be granted by the WTO for a DRS to be implemented, but Welsh ministers have previously been blocked by the UK Government.
Wales plans to launch its DRS at the same time as the UK-wide scheme in October 2027 to ensure alignment.
In response to the move, The Grocer was told: “It will be really interesting to see how the UK government reacts. As far as I’m aware the Scottish government asked for an exception when it was planning to include glass. I don’t even think Wales have asked for one.
“But on the other hand at least this is a statement of intent to say we’re doing everything we can to make this happen and glass in.
“At least they are not just sitting on their hands.”
A consultation on how DRS will be implemented is currently ongoing in Wales and will run until 10 November 2025.
“In line with the Welsh Government’s circular economy strategy, this means moving ‘Beyond Recycling’, by transitioning to a circular economy,” the consultation document said.
“In doing so, the aim is to deliver a scheme that is in line with the World’s best, by drawing on proven international experience. This will ensure that the scheme not only delivers environmental benefits and supports the sector to reduce emissions, but also that industry can benefit from the reduction in materials needed and our communities can benefit from the reduction in litter from all container types.
“Your responses will therefore be important in helping to inform the next steps in the development of a DRS that delivers for Wales.”
