Deposit Return Scheme consultation launched in Wales

The Welsh Government has opened a new consultation on its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which runs until 10 November 2025. This comes as the much-delayed UK-wide scheme, due to launch in October 2027, is now little more than a year away.

The consultation sets out a “reuse roadmap” with milestones for 2031, 2035 and 2040. It will cover different packaging materials – including glass bottles, PET plastic bottles and aluminium cans – and proposes ambitious collection targets of 70%, 80% and 90% in the first three years. However, glass will not be included until 2030, while it carries a zero deposit.

Wales already has an impressive track record on recycling – leading the UK and ranking second only to Austria in the latest global recycling tables. Public support for the DRS is also strong, with 83% backing the inclusion of glass and 73% in favour of refilling bottles rather than recycling.

The consultation highlights that delivering this vision will require significant new infrastructure – from sorting and washing plants to transport systems for moving refillable bottles intact, as well as dedicated counting centres. Our Managing Director, Neil Jeremiah, agrees:

“The success of initiatives like the Deposit Return Scheme will depend on the right infrastructure. At Endurance, we’ll be watching this consultation closely and stand ready with a flexible fleet to serve the changing needs of customers in our home nation.”

Change is constant in our industry – but with Endurance, your fleet will always be one step ahead. Call 01291 440 750 or email sales@endurancevs.com

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