This decision allows Wales to proceed with a unique, “breakaway” DRS, differing from the glass-free schemes planned for England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Andy Bagnall, director general at the British Soft Drinks Association, said: “This is a big step forward in establishing a UK-wide deposit return scheme, enabling a unified approach for aluminium cans and plastic bottles, although granting an exclusion for single-use glass means challenges remain.
“We look forward to the Welsh government now rapidly appointing a scheme administrator and ensuring glass is included in the scheme in the most practical way possible, by keeping the required number of glass-enabled reverse vending machines to a minimum.
“The Welsh government must also engage with industry to resolve the issues inherent in different schemes on either side of the border – including the risk of substantial fraud – to remove the cliff edge in four years’ time when the transition period ends.
“This pragmatic approach is the only way to deliver a workable scheme without unintended consequences for shoppers and small businesses. The soft drinks industry will play its part so that, together, we can kickstart the circular economy, boost recycling and reduce litter.”
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “The clarity given today on Welsh DRS by the UK government under the Internal Market Act is long awaited and welcome, and we are pleased Wales will align their scheme on PET and cans with the rest of the UK.
“However, significant challenges and uncertainty remain around proposals to include single-use glass without a deposit, which will add costs and create potential fraud risks, without clear environmental benefit.
“We will continue to work with the Welsh government to resolve these issues and explore more effective alternatives. In the meantime, it is vital that the Welsh government appoints a Deposit Management Organisation as soon as possible to provide certainty for the industry.”