After a highly criticised delay, the Welsh Government has appointed Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), the same organisation used in the rest of the UK.
The Welsh Government explained that the scheme is set to include PET, metal and glass drinks containers from day one, with a four-year transition period for glass drinks containers.
On the decision, Llŷr Gruffydd MS, cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability, said: “This marks the next step towards delivering a DRS for Wales, which will collect empty drinks containers to tackle litter, keep communities cleaner, further improve Wales’ recycling and support the transition from recycling to reuse.”
Commenting on Exchange for Change, Gruffydd said that the appointment follows a robust process to identify the best DMO, which would work in partnership with local producers, retailers and authorities.
“I look forward to working with Exchange for Change and our delivery partners as we work to establish a DRS that works for Wales, and with those schemes being implemented in the other nations of the UK,” Gruffydd added.
Industry reaction
Though Wales’ decision to appoint Exchange for Change has been met with general industry satisfaction, some in the drinks trade still expressed concerns about the upcoming DRS scheme.
Miles Beale, CEO of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said: “I am pleased that Exchange for Change, who are already appointed in the rest of the UK, have finally been selected as the DMO in Wales.”
However: “With less than 14 months before the scheme starts it is difficult to see how a DRS including glass could be introduced successfully without severely restricting consumer choice and imposing significant costs.”
At the same time, Travis Way, MD at circular economy specialist firm EcoVend by Reconomy, said: “This is an important milestone for businesses preparing for the introduction of the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme, which has the potential to significantly increase recycling rates of single-use containers.
“The focus now needs to turn to implementation. Strong collaboration between the DMO, producers, retailers and infrastructure providers will be essential to ensure the necessary return network is in place and businesses have the certainty they need to prepare ahead of the October 2027 launch.”
Also expressing happiness, Emma McClarkin, CEO of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association, said: “We are delighted that Exchange For Change have been appointed by the Welsh Government ensuring a single, industry-led, body operating Deposit Return Schemes across the UK.
“However, we remain realistic about the challenges that lie ahead, not least the short time frame between now and go-live, as well as the anticipated inclusion of glass which will disproportionately impact Welsh breweries and create additional complexity.”
