Wales to Launch Independent Bottle Return Scheme Excluding UK-Wide Plan

The Welsh government opts for a separate deposit return scheme to include glass bottles, diverging from the UK-wide plan set for 2027.

Wales will implement its own deposit return scheme after disagreements over including glass bottles in the UK-wide plan.
The Welsh government cites the UK Internal Market Act 2020 as a barrier to a unified scheme, necessitating a separate approach.
Wales' scheme aims to build on its high recycling rates by transitioning towards reusing containers, including glass.
The UK-wide scheme, excluding glass, is scheduled to launch in 2027, but Wales' timeline remains uncertain, with legislation expected in the next Senedd term starting 2026.
Critics argue that differing schemes across the UK could cause confusion and disrupt efforts for a cohesive recycling strategy.